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 goal was to be in the best physical shape possible before their ascent. —Will Croxton, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025

That rapid ascent culminated in Wun becoming the first Hong Kong designer to present a collection at Paris Haute Couture Week in 2023. —Denni Hu, Footwear News, 22 Dec. 2025

Through the metal gates and up a final, steep ascent lies a grassy lawn that stretches to the foot of the castle’s defensive walls. —Laura May Todd, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2025

Even before his ascent to energy secretary, Moniz was controversial among progressives owing to his prior advisory work for energy companies such as British Petroleum and General Electric. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 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