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

That’s the confidence that’s bubbling around the first-place White Sox, who continued their upward ascent this season by beating the Dodgers 8-2 in the series opener. —Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026

The route includes some short ascents and descents and takes place on a variety of paths, including pavement, loose gravel, and forest trails. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026

Last July, Kurtz put together one of the most impressive monthly performances by a rookie in recent memory, culminating in his first AL Player of the Month and a Rookie of the Month to boot, solidifying his ascent as the frontrunner in the AL Rookie of the Year race. —Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026

While outright conflict between them remains unlikely, the region has shifted from an era of collective ascent to one of strategic competition. —Judah Taub, semafor.com, 11 June 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