downward

1 of 2

adverb

down·​ward ˈdau̇n-wərd 

variants or downwards

ˈdau̇n-wərdz 

1

a

: from a higher to a lower place

b

: toward a direction that is the opposite of up

2

: from a higher to a lower condition

3

a

: from an earlier time

b

: from an ancestor or predecessor

downward

2 of 2

adjective

1

: moving or extending downward

2

: descending from a head, origin, or source

downwardly adverb

downwardness noun

Synonyms of downward

Adverb

• down

Adjective

• bowed
• lowered
• down

Examples of downward in a Sentence

Adverb

The mountain streams flow downward to the lake.

Mud covered his pants from the knees downward.

Adjective

Sales continued their downward trend.

the downward revision of an estimate

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Though capacity has remained fairly strong throughout its run, grosses have begun to trend downward over the past two years. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026

Yet, since 1999, when the pest control programs started, state funding has trended downward, state figures show. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Adjective

The Fed's hike and signals about another one are putting some upward pressure on the dollar and downward pressure on other currencies, Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, told CNBC. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026

Haden’s hires failed to return the Trojans to their glory days and eventually sent the program on a downward trajectory. — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing downward

• downward dog
• downward facing dog
• downward spiral

Kids Definition

downward

1 of 2 adverb

down·​ward ˈdau̇n-wərd 

variants or downwards

-wərdz 

1

: from a higher place or condition to a lower one

2

: from an earlier time

downward

2 of 2 adjective

: moving or reaching down

Legal Definition

downward

1 of 2 adjective

down·​ward

: going from a higher to a lower level

a downward departure from the sentencing guidelines

downward

2 of 2 adverb

: from a higher to a lower level

instead of following the sentencing guidelines, the court departed downward