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

The climb to the Castle of St John involves about 1,350 steps and 850-some feet of ascent, passing the Church of Our Lady of Remedy halfway up. — Jonathan Wiggin, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Aug. 2026

Because orbital transport requires overcoming Earth’s gravity, severe vibrations and high-G forces inevitably shake the vehicle during both ascent and reentry. — Euihyeon Choi, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026

But that could be starting to reverse, with Caterpillar's and Palantir's post-earnings ascents on Tuesday only adding to confidence. — Alex Harring,sean Conlon,sarah Min, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026

Episode 2 showcases meteoric ascents, bringing together one of the most buzzy young actors and a phenom from the NHL. — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 3 Aug. 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