variants
or chiefly British downwards
1
: from a higher place or level to a lower place or level
The mountain streams flow downward to the lake.
Heating costs rise as the temperature heads downward. [=as the weather becomes colder]
2
: toward the ground, floor, etc. : not up
The hawk flew downward.
The arrow pointed downward.
Mud covered his pants from the knees downward.
3
: toward people with less power, money, etc.
Everyone in the company, from the president downward, has been involved in these decisions. [=the president and all the employees with less authority, power, etc., have been involved]
4
: to a smaller amount : to a lower number
We received an estimate, but the number has since been revised downward.
always used before a noun
1
: moving or going from a higher place or level to a lower place or level
a downward slope
Sales continued their downward trend.
Her life was in a downward spiral [=a process of constantly getting worse] as she battled depression and addiction.
2
: moving or going toward the ground, floor, etc.
the hawk's downward flight
3
: changing to a smaller amount or lower number
the downward revision of an estimate
Cite this Entry
“Downward.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/downward. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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