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 decades, American higher education has been framed as an engine of upward mobility.
—
Scott White, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Key reason: There’s not much upward mobility in the field, Indeed’s Shrivastava said.
—Paul Davidson, USA Today, 11 June 2025
In one photo, a group of homeowners tossed their mortgage papers into a fire, a celebration for climbing another rung on the ladder of upward mobility.
—Houston Cofield, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Based on the traditional demographics of college attendees, this disproportionately affects younger and lower-income individuals—those who were supposed to benefit from the promise of upward mobility via education.
—Mike De Vere, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for upward mobility
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Scott White, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Key reason: There’s not much upward mobility in the field, Indeed’s Shrivastava said.
—Paul Davidson, USA Today, 11 June 2025
In one photo, a group of homeowners tossed their mortgage papers into a fire, a celebration for climbing another rung on the ladder of upward mobility.
—Houston Cofield, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Based on the traditional demographics of college attendees, this disproportionately affects younger and lower-income individuals—those who were supposed to benefit from the promise of upward mobility via education.
—Mike De Vere, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for upward mobility
Cite this Entry
“Upward mobility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upward%20mobility. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share