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

• ascension
• climb
• rise
• rising
• soar

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

Meanwhile, Treasury yields are on the ascent, with the 10-year yield topping 4.1% this week. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2024

In 2022, the duo made an ascent of Denali’s legendary Cassin Ridge, one of the most famous alpine routes in the world. —Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 9 Oct. 2024

But if Tottori’s ascent is a breakthrough for Japanese women, in another sense, its novelty highlights the extraordinary durability of Japan’s glass ceiling. —Beth Greenfield, Fortune Asia, 7 Oct. 2024

The dynamic curation, which documents Ailey’s ascent and prevalence from the late 1950s alongside visual art, music, and video, is a reminder of how pivotal dance is to shaping culture and asking important questions without using any words at all. —Freya Drohan, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

irregular from ascend

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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