Word
uptick
US/ˈəpˌtɪk/
UK/ˈʌptɪk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small increase in the amount or price of something. It is often used to describe a positive change in the stock market or business sales.
n. a slight increase in the value, level, or amount of something. Frequently used in financial contexts to describe a positive movement in stock prices or economic indicators.
Examples
“The company reported an uptick in sales this month.”
“After several months of falling prices, the housing market saw a small uptick in demand from first-time buyers.”
“While the quarterly report highlighted a modest uptick in consumer spending, analysts remained cautious about the long-term sustainability of the current economic recovery.”
Examples
simple
“The company reported an uptick in sales this month.”
contextual
“After several months of falling prices, the housing market saw a small uptick in demand from first-time buyers.”
complex
“While the quarterly report highlighted a modest uptick in consumer spending, analysts remained cautious about the long-term sustainability of the current economic recovery.”
Real-World Examples
“In Jordan, Ukraine and India, researchers have also noted an uptick in pregabalin abuse.” “Don't assume an uptick in ant activity after setting out pesticide traps means the treatment failed.” “Yet other times, water scarcity can counterintuitively lead to an uptick in diseases that depend on water.” Etymology
From up- + tick.
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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/uptick