# ascendancy

/əˈsɛndənsi/ (US) · /ɐsˈɛndənsi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ascendancy
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the state of being more powerful or successful than others. In ecology, it describes when one species becomes the most dominant in an area.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.