upward

1 of 2

adverb

up·​ward ˈəp-wərd 

variants or upwards

ˈəp-wərdz 

1

a

: in a direction from lower to higher

the kite rose upward

b(1)

: toward the source (as of a river)

(2)

: toward the interior (as of a region)

c

: in a higher position

held out his hand, palm upward

d

: in the upper parts : toward the head : above

from the waist upward

2

: toward a higher or better condition or level

young lawyers moving upward

3

a

: to an indefinitely greater amount, figure, or rank

from $5 upward

b

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

attendance figures have risen upward

4

: toward or into later years

from youth upward

upward

2 of 2

adjective

1

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

2

: rising to a higher pitch

upwardly adverb

upwardness noun

Examples of upward in a Sentence

Adverb

The road gradually rose upward.

She directed my gaze upward.

They are moving upward socially and economically.

moving upward in the corporate world

Adjective

an upward revision of the vote tally

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

The clip pans from their feet upward, capturing their full bodies before finally revealing their stark height difference. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024

As Shutdown Nears More Of North Korea’s Giant Howitzers Roll Into Russia American mastodon (Mammut americanum) fossils have been found throughout North and Central America, revealing that the massive creatures stood nearly 10 feet tall at their highest point with tusks that curved upward. —Leslie Katz, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Thirty-five is the minimum age requirement for the U.S. presidency, but there's no upward limit. —Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2024

Plus, the report card on the impact of upward wealth mobility of these prestigious schools is much more encouraging that the critics from the left and the right acknowledge. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 28 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

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