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

This allows operators to monitor the aircraft and atmospheric conditions during ascent and descent. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026

Any split in the left comes at a critical moment in British politics, with Labour (and the Greens) also focused on containing a rising right-wing wave, most clearly signaled by the rapid ascent of the hard-right populist party, Reform UK. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026

As Florida continues its ascent back into the image of CFP contention, its ability to focus on the next test was the new challenge. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026

Trump retains enormous influence among the Republican voters who powered his ascent, even as dissatisfaction with his leadership threatens candidates who must appeal beyond his most committed supporters. — Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026

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