English Reference
Adverb

downwards

adv. place
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US /ˈdaʊnwɝdz/ UK /dˈaʊnwədz/ down·wards

adv.toward a lower place or level. You use it to describe movement or a change toward the ground or a smaller number.

adv.toward a lower physical position, level, or value. Often used to describe trends in data or physical movement toward the earth.


SIMPLE

The path leads downwards toward the river.

CONTEXTUAL

The stock market trended downwards throughout the afternoon as investors reacted to the news.

COMPLEX

As the temperature dropped, the heavy mist began to drift downwards, eventually settling in the valley and obscuring the small village from view.

Usage

Typically functions as an adverb of direction; in British English, 'downwards' is common, whereas American English often prefers 'downward'.

Will supporters be looking upwards rather than downwards?

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

From down + -wards.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated