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

The company operates higher education institutions in Mexico and Peru, two markets where expanding middle classes, professional credential demand and upward mobility remain powerful long-term themes. — Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

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

But Veda has zero admiration for Mildred’s rapid upward mobility, striking the pose of a blue blood who looks down on hard work. — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

For 250 years, America’s colleges and universities have been engines of leadership, innovation and upward mobility. — Adam Stone, USA Today, 25 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