upswing

noun

up·​swing ˈəp-ˌswiŋ 

1

: an upward swing

2

: a marked increase or improvement

a dramatic upswing in profits

—often used in the phrase on the upswing

Her career is on the upswing.

Examples of upswing in a Sentence

an upswing of the arms

Recent Examples on the Web

Last season, however, should provide some optimism that their team might be on an unexpected upswing. — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Feed directly into equity valuations and perhaps even to the current political upswing in Democratic Socialism. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

In the years since COVID-19 swept the globe in 2020, upswings in infections have come not only in winter but also in summer. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Aug. 2026

The combination of the city’s purchase of the historic building and development of The Gifford apartment project could help fuel an upswing in activity downtown, San Jose officials said. — George Avalos, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for upswing

• bowstring
• coiling
• downswing
• drawstring
• forewing
• hamstring
• lapwing
• mainspring
• offspring
• plaything
• shoestring
• texting

Kids Definition

upswing

noun

up·​swing ˈəp-ˌswiŋ 

: an upward swing

especially : a marked increase or improvement (as in activity)

business is on the upswing