ascent

noun

as·​cent ə-ˈsent 

a-

1

a

: the act of rising or mounting upward : climb

completed their ascent of the mountain

b

: an upward slope or rising grade : acclivity

followed the steep ascent to the top of the hill

c

: the degree of elevation : inclination, gradient

2

: an advance in social status or reputation : progress

their ascent from the lower class to the middle class

3

: a going back in time or upward in order of genealogical succession

Synonyms of ascent

• climb
• ascension

Examples of ascent in a Sentence

They followed a steep ascent to the top of the hill.

our plane broke through some heavy low clouds during its ascent and leveled off once we were above them

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2022, only seven other countries joined it in voting against a UN First Committee resolution to halt direct-ascent antisatellite missile tests, which produce destructive space debris. —Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2025

In Abu Dhabi, the world’s top asset managers are convening as the government commits tens of billions of dollars to accelerate its ascent as a global financial hub. —Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 9 Dec. 2025

Her ascent might continue in the coming months and years, as the actor has proved once again to be beloved by fans. —Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025

Apparently, her control issues manifest in flight anxiety, especially during turbulence, like on their bumpy ascent. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 7 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

irregular from ascend

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for ascent

• accent
• advent
• assent
• augment
• cement
• consent
• dement
• descent
• detent
• dissent
• event
• extent

Kids Definition

ascent

noun

as·​cent ə-ˈsent 

a-

1

: the act of rising or climbing up

began their ascent of the mountain

2

: an upward slope