# upward

/ˈəpwɝd/ (US) · /ˈʌpwəd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/upward
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. toward a higher place

adverb · CEFR B2

moving toward a higher position or level.

For teachers: in a direction from lower to higher; toward a higher place or position.

- She looked upward at the tall buildings surrounding the square.
- The smoke drifted upward through the narrow chimney, eventually dissipating into the cold night air.

Usage: In American English, 'upward' is common as an adverb, whereas British English often prefers 'upwards'.

### 2. more than a certain amount

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

used to say that an amount is more than the number mentioned.

For teachers: indicating a quantity or value that exceeds a specified limit; often used in the phrase 'upward of'.

- The repairs will cost upward of five hundred dollars.
- The charity gala successfully raised upward of two million pounds for the new children's wing.

Usage: Typically used with 'of' followed by a number or amount.

### 3. moving or pointing up

adjective · CEFR B2

moving or pointing toward a higher position.

For teachers: directed or moving toward a higher place, level, or value.

- The path follows a steep upward slope toward the mountain peak.
- The company reported a steady upward trend in sales throughout the final quarter of the fiscal year.

## Examples

- The path follows a steep upward slope.
- Economists are concerned about the steady upward trend in food prices over the last six months.
- The gymnast maintained perfect form during her upward movement, demonstrating incredible core strength as she reached the peak of her jump.

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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.