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

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

For the most recent annual series from April 2023 through March 2024, the initial three monthly estimates were revised downward about 16% on average. —George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

The original ordinance restricted the use of searchlights, while newer ones cover everything from outdoor lighting brightness to directing light downward, keeping light pollution minimal. —Stefanie Waldek, AFAR Media, 12 Aug. 2025

Adjective

The Golden State's slowing job market mirrored the national economy, which saw 73,000 jobs added in July, lower than monthly job gains earlier this year and the downward revisions for May and June. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025

Swiss watch exports dropped 5.6 percent in June, continuing a year-long downward trajectory. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2025

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 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