upside

1 of 2

noun

up·​side ˈəp-ˌsīd 

1

: an upward trend (as of prices)

2

a

: a positive aspect

One upside to the house is its great location.

b

: promise, potential

a young star with lots of upside

upside

2 of 2

preposition

up·​side ˈəp-ˈsīd 

: up on or against the side of

… layin' in this death cell, writin' my time upside the wall …

—Lonnie Johnson

smacked him upside the head

Examples of upside in a Sentence

Noun

One upside to the new house is its location.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The emergence of Maxey and the arrival of Edgecombe have redefined Philadelphia's upside and future. —Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025

Both prior entries scored a majority of their grosses overseas and, notably, Lionsgate typically sells off international rights to limit its financial exposure, at the cost of capping upside. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 15 Nov. 2025

Preposition

He’s always hit, with his power upside the bigger question. —Keith Law, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024

Bernard’s intensity, red-hot motor and likable athleticism should enable him to develop into a special teams ace under coordinator John Fassel’s tutelage. Plus, his coverage ability and adequate instincts give him upside as a defender. —John Owning, Dallas News, 1 May 2020

Word History

Etymology

Noun

up entry 2 + side entry 1

Preposition

perhaps from up entry 1 + -side (as in alongside)

First Known Use

Noun

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Preposition

1897, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing upside

• on the upside
• turn (something) upside down
• upside down
• upside-down cake
• upside the head

Rhymes for upside

• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied