upward mobility

noun

: the capacity or facility for rising to a higher social or economic position

upwardly mobile adjective

Examples of upward mobility in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For much of the last decade, economic aspirations have been the driving factor for Modi's electoral appeal, experts said, but added that many young people feel the promise has not materialized amid rising unemployment and lack of upward mobility. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 27 July 2026

Millions of students and their families pin their hopes for upward mobility on this highly competitive test, and some 150 such leaks have been alleged since 2014. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 23 July 2026

Perhaps the most devastating, long-lasting, nationwide, permanent, now nearly invisible example of systemic racism continuing to suppress African American upward mobility in the United States. — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

The University of California’s STEM programs have long powered upward mobility and economic growth. — Mina Aganagic, Washington Post, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for upward mobility

• acceptability
• accessibility
• adaptability
• admissibility
• advisability
• affordability
• allowability
• amenability
• amiability
• appealability
• applicability
• availability