up-and-coming

adjective

up-and-com·​ing ˌəp-ən(d)-ˈkə-miŋ 

ˌəp-ᵊm-

: gaining prominence and likely to advance or succeed

an up-and-coming young actor

up-and-comer

ˌəp-ən(d)-ˈkə-mər 

ˌəp-ᵊm-

noun

Examples of up-and-coming in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are no fewer than 300 original works in various media by 80 artists, all (with one exception) Irish or Ireland-based, and most of them up-and-coming rather than of the household-name variety. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026

The edgy South of Market venue in San Francisco that showcases works from up-and-coming artists is also known as a cool place to host gatherings and celebrations, especially among the city arts crowd. —Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026

The film features behind-the-scenes looks at some of the most prominent up-and-coming indie-rock and punk bands of the 90s. —Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026

The story follows two up-and-coming hockey players who are vying for the top spot in the sport. —Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for up-and-coming

• overcoming
• unbecoming
• becoming
• forthcoming
• homecoming
• incoming
• oncoming
• shortcoming
• succumbing
• upcoming
• coming
• cumming