# upmarket

/ˈəpˌmɑɹkət/ (US) · /ˈʌpmɑːkˌɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/upmarket
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

describing something expensive and high in quality, made for people with a lot of money. You use this for shops, hotels, clothes, and neighbourhoods.

For teachers: describing goods, services, or areas aimed at affluent consumers through higher prices and quality. Often contrasted with downmarket.

## Examples

- They live in an upmarket part of town.
- The old market was replaced by upmarket cafes and boutiques that most locals cannot afford.
- The hotel rebranded itself as an upmarket retreat, trading backpacker dormitories for spa suites and tasting menus that doubled its nightly rates.

## Synonyms

upscale, exclusive, luxurious, posh

## Antonyms

cheap

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies.

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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.