upwards
adv.-
1 toward a higher place (adv.) B1 Intermediatemoving or looking toward the sky or a higher position.
directed toward a higher physical point or elevation.
ExampleShe looked upwards at the tall trees and the birds flying above.
ExampleThe smoke drifted upwards through the narrow chimney, eventually dissipating into the cold mountain air.
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2 to a higher amount (adv.) B2 Upper Intermediatemoving to a higher number, price, or level.
indicating a movement toward a higher numerical value, quantity, or intensity.
ExamplePrices have been moving upwards for several months now.
ExampleThe company revised its growth projections upwards following a surprisingly successful fiscal quarter in the European market.
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3 more than a certain amount (adv.) C1 Advanced Formalused with 'of' to mean more than a specific number or amount.
used in the phrase 'upwards of' to indicate a quantity exceeding a specified limit.
ExampleIt will cost upwards of five hundred dollars to fix the car.
ExampleThe charity gala successfully raised upwards of one million pounds, far exceeding the organisers' original expectations for the evening.
UsageUsually appears in the fixed phrase 'upwards of' followed by a number.
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4 toward a higher rank (adv.) B2 Upper Intermediatemoving toward a more important or senior position in a group.
directed toward a superior level in a hierarchy or social order.
ExampleHe has been working hard to move upwards in the company.
ExampleSocial mobility allows individuals to move upwards through the class structure based on merit and education rather than birthright.
From Middle English upwardes, from Old English upweardes, equivalent to up + -wards. Cognate with Dutch opwaarts (“upwards”), German aufwärts (“upwards”).