Word
downward
Phoneticsdown·ward, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdaʊnwɝd/
UK/dˈaʊnwəd/
Definitions
01moving or pointing lower
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. moving or pointing toward the ground or a lower position.
adj. directed or moving toward a lower physical level or position.
“The hikers followed a steep downward path toward the valley floor.”
“The downward slope of the mountain became increasingly treacherous as the loose gravel shifted under the climbers' boots.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02decreasing in value
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. showing a decrease in amount, quality, or price.
adj. indicating a trend toward a lower price, value, or level of quality.
“The company is worried about the downward trend in sales this year.”
“Economists observed a significant downward pressure on interest rates following the central bank's unexpected policy announcement.”
Antonyms
03toward a lower place
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. toward a lower place or level.
adv. toward a lower physical position, hierarchy, or value.
Español:hacia abajo
“She looked downward to avoid making eye contact with the crowd.”
“The eagle spiralled downward, its eyes fixed intently on the movement in the tall grass below.”
Usage
In British English, 'downwards' is often preferred for the adverbial use, while 'downward' is more common in American English.
Pitfall
He looked downwardly at his shoes.
He looked downward at his shoes.
The word 'downward' already functions as an adverb; 'downwardly' is rarely used and often considered incorrect in this context.
Teaching tip
Note that 'downward' is the standard adjective form in all dialects, but the adverbial form varies between 'downward' and 'downwards' or 'downwards'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “downward” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Since June, there has been a downward trend in the number of vacant spaces.” “Rak explains that during every step of bipedal walking, the body's center of mass drops downward.” Etymology
From down + -ward.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/downward
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0