Word
upscale
Phoneticsup·scale, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈəpˌskeɪɫ/
UK/ˈʌpskeɪl/
Definition
adj. expensive, high quality, and designed for people with a lot of money.
adj. relating to or appealing to affluent consumers; high-end in quality and price. Often used to describe neighborhoods, restaurants, or consumer goods.
Examples
“They opened an upscale restaurant in the city center.”
“The developer transformed the old warehouse into upscale apartments for young professionals.”
“While the brand was originally known for budget-friendly basics, its recent shift toward upscale materials has alienated some of its long-term customer base.”
Examples
simple
“They opened an upscale restaurant in the city center.”
contextual
“The developer transformed the old warehouse into upscale apartments for young professionals.”
complex
“While the brand was originally known for budget-friendly basics, its recent shift toward upscale materials has alienated some of its long-term customer base.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; can also follow linking verbs like 'become' or 'look'.
Real-World Examples
“While a few upscale restaurants offered pine nuts Western-style – sprinkled frugally over pasta – street vendors sold them by the bag.” Etymology
From up + scale, 1966 (adjective), 1963 (verb).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/upscale