upward

adjective

1

a

: directed toward or situated in a higher place or level : ascending

an upward movement/flow

b

: directed toward the top (as of a piece of paper)

an upward stroke of the pen

c

: marked by an increase

an upward revision of the employment figures

2

: rising to a higher pitch

Her words had an upward inflection.

upwardly adverb

upwardness noun

Examples of upward in a Sentence

an upward revision of the vote tally

Recent Examples on the Web

But next week’s inflation data can give investors an idea of just how challenging the economy is getting for consumers, and how tenable the upward momentum is in the stock market. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 5 June 2026

But the overall trajectory for average selling prices (ASPs) is firmly upward. —Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026

That would hopefully improve the flow of crude, lower oil’s price and remove some of the upward pressure on inflation that’s hurting the world. —Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026

Inditex’s continued upward trajectory — while not close to its post-pandemic highs — comes as the fashion industry is struggling to find growth at both ends of the market as consumers grapple with economic headwinds and political instability. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 3 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing upward

• onward and upward
• upward mobility
• upward of
• upward spiral

Kids Definition

upward

1 of 2 adverb

up·​ward ˈəp-wərd 

variants or upwards

-wərdz 

1

: in a direction from lower to higher

the land rises upward

2

: toward a higher or better condition

worked my way upward in the business

3

: toward a greater amount or higher number, degree, or rate

prices shot upward

upward

2 of 2 adjective

: directed toward or located in a higher place or level : ascending

upwardly adverb