Definitions
01to send data to a server
A2 · Elementary Computing
v. to send a file, photo, or video from your device to a website or the internet.
v. to transfer data from a local computer system to a remote server or network, typically via the internet.
“It took several minutes to upload the video to my social media page.”
“The photographer had to upload the high-resolution files to the client's server before the deadline.”
Usage
The verb is both transitive and intransitive; you can 'upload a file' or simply 'wait for the data to upload'.
Pitfall
I uploaded the photo in Instagram.
I uploaded the photo to Instagram.
Use the preposition 'to' when naming the destination of an upload.
Antonyms
02the act of sending data
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Computing
n. the process of sending a file to the internet, or the file that you have sent.
n. the action or process of transferring data to a remote system; can also refer to the specific file being transferred.
“My internet speed is fast for watching videos, but the upload is very slow.”
“The system administrator monitored the incoming uploads to ensure no malicious scripts were being introduced to the network.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03to move responsibility higher
C1 · Advanced Law American English · Formal · Technical
v. to move the responsibility for a service from a local government to a higher one.
v. to transfer jurisdiction or financial responsibility for a public service from a local or municipal level to a provincial or federal level.
“The city wants to upload the cost of the new highway to the national government.”
“The provincial government agreed to upload the responsibility for social housing to alleviate the municipal budget deficit.”
Teaching tip
This sense is specific to North American political contexts, particularly in Canada, and is the opposite of 'downloading' costs to local levels.
Antonyms
Etymology
From up- + load.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/upload
‘외래어’ data: 한국어기초사전 (국립국어원), CC BY-SA 2.0 KR