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

His ascent to the presidency marks an abrupt departure from the progressive agenda of leftist Gabriel Boric, whose four-year term ended today. —John Bartlett, NPR, 11 Mar. 2026

Alex Eala is rewriting what a breakout looks like in professional tennis, and the speed of her ascent is unlike anything the sport has seen from a Filipino player. —Ryan Brennan march 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026

For a player who was ranked outside the top 1000 just a few years ago, the speed of her ascent has been remarkable. —Ryan Brennan march 11, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026

Regarded as one of the Twins’ top prospects — and a top 100 prospect in the game — his ascent has been slowed by injuries. —Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 10 Mar. 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