ups and downs

plural noun

: alternating rise and fall especially in fortune

Examples of ups and downs in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Exercise, deep breathing techniques, mindfulness or meditation, and increased social and mental health support are just some non-pharmacologic ways to help handle life’s ups and downs. Liz Seegert, Fortune Well, 25 Mar. 2023 There were ups and downs over the next several years, following her initial chemotherapy treatments in 2015. The Indianapolis Star, 23 Mar. 2023 Lindsay Lohan After years of ups and downs, audiences welcomed Lohan back to their screens Netflix's 2022 film Falling for Christmas. Diana Pearl, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2023 Houston Grand Opera went through many fiscal ups and downs during its first 10 years, presenting two to three operas per season. Gabi De La Rosa, Chron, 20 Mar. 2023 The Fool responds: General Motors’ history has had a lot of ups and downs since its founding in 1908. The Motley Fool, Dallas News, 19 Mar. 2023 Ron Robinson Courtesy of Ron Robinson The OG cosmetic chemist and founder of skincare brand BeautyStat is no stranger to the ups and downs of the industry. Kayla Greaves, ELLE, 17 Mar. 2023 Some of that is just the ups and downs of a typical season. P.j. Brown, The Arizona Republic, 16 Mar. 2023 And not having these ups and downs and so much negative attention on Lenny and I. Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ups and downs.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ups and downs was in 1659

Dictionary Entries Near ups and downs

Cite this Entry

“Ups and downs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ups%20and%20downs. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on ups and downs

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!