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

Morocco's ascent to becoming a respected contender at the World Cup is not coincidental. — Jasmine Garsd, NPR, 9 July 2026

These standout ballads touted a rugged lifestyle with elements of organized crime, which aided his primo’s ascent to the mainstream. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

The talent agency handles the careers of many of the world’s biggest actors, athletes and influencers, some of the very people whose livelihoods are most threatened by the creeping ascent of AI. — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026

Pogacar thanked Del Toro for his efforts in the final ascent. — ABC News, 6 July 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