# downward

/ˈdaʊnwɝd/ (US) · /dˈaʊnwəd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/downward
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. moving or pointing lower

adjective · CEFR B2

moving or pointing toward the ground or a lower position.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. decreasing in value

adjective · CEFR B2

showing a decrease in amount, quality, or price.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. toward a lower place

adverb · CEFR B2

toward a lower place or level.

For teachers: toward a lower physical position, hierarchy, or value.

- 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.

Teaching tip: Note that 'downward' is the standard adjective form in all dialects, but the adverbial form varies between 'downward' and 'downwards' or 'downwards'.

## Examples

- The path follows a steep downward slope.
- Economists are worried about the downward trend in consumer spending over the last three months.
- The aircraft began a steady downward descent toward the runway once the pilot received clearance from the control tower, maintaining a constant speed despite the heavy winds.

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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.