Word
ascendancy
Phoneticsas·cen·dan·cy, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈsɛndənsi/
UK/ɐsˈɛndənsi/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the state of being more powerful or successful than others. In ecology, it describes when one species becomes the most dominant in an area.
n. the state of being superior in power, influence, or status to others. In an ecological context, it refers to the dominance of a particular species within a community or ecosystem.
Examples
“The local bird species gained ascendancy over the smaller ones.”
“After the forest fire, the invasive plant species quickly achieved ascendancy, outcompeting the native flora for nutrients and sunlight.”
“The rapid ascendancy of the invasive species has led to a significant shift in the local food web, threatening the survival of several endemic predators.”
Examples
simple
“The local bird species gained ascendancy over the smaller ones.”
contextual
“After the forest fire, the invasive plant species quickly achieved ascendancy, outcompeting the native flora for nutrients and sunlight.”
complex
“The rapid ascendancy of the invasive species has led to a significant shift in the local food web, threatening the survival of several endemic predators.”
Real-World Examples
“One reason United were able to cause problems in the second half was down to Rashford and Mbeumo being relentless, occupying defenders and, ultimately, tiring minds and legs with United in the ascendancy.” “He had the maturity, the leadership, the ascendancy over Spain’s young players – Barcelona’s young players – that they needed.” Etymology
From ascend + -ancy or ascendant + -cy. The use in ecology is due to Robert Ulanowicz.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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