upfront
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.being honest and direct about your intentions or the facts.
adj.characterised by honesty, frankness, and transparency regarding intentions or information.
Simple“You need to be upfront with your boss about why you are leaving the company.”
In context“The consultant was remarkably upfront about the potential risks, refusing to sugarcoat the data just to please the board of directors.”
UsageUsually used after the verb 'be' or before a noun.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.paid or required at the beginning of a deal, before any work is done.
adj.referring to a payment made in advance of receiving goods or services.
Simple“The landlord asked for an upfront payment of two months' rent.”
In context“The contract requires an upfront investment to cover raw materials before the manufacturing phase can begin.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adv.at the very start of a process or a period of time.
adv.occurring or performed at the outset of a process or transaction.
Simple“If we discuss the budget upfront, we can avoid arguments later.”
In context“By addressing the technical limitations upfront, the team saved weeks of development time that would have been wasted on unfeasible features.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
adv.at the front of a group, a building, or a sports team.
adv.positioned at the front or in a leading role, particularly in a physical or tactical arrangement.
Simple“The team is playing with two strikers upfront to try and score early.”
In context“The captain stayed upfront to lead the march, ensuring the rest of the group could see the path clearly through the fog.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
n.a meeting where TV networks show their new shows to advertisers to sell commercial time.
n.a series of meetings where television network executives showcase upcoming programming to advertisers to secure early ad sales.
Simple“The network announced three new comedies during the spring upfronts.”
In context“During the annual upfronts, media buyers evaluate the pilot episodes to determine which time slots offer the best return on investment for their clients.”
UsageOften used in the plural form 'upfronts'.
“One lady explained that even with a good wage, they can’t find somewhere: “Many places are asking for four months or more upfront….”
“In 2023, the Office of Rail and Road said it and six other third-party train ticket sellers were not being upfront about fees.”