vertical

C1 · Advanced Academic · Technical

adj. relating to a specific industry or a narrow market rather than a broad one.

adj. pertaining to a vertical market, where goods and services are provided for a specific industry or specialized group of customers.

“The company decided to focus on vertical software for the healthcare industry.”

“Vertical integration allowed the manufacturer to control every stage of production, from raw materials to the final retail sale.”

C2 · Proficiency Music Technical

adj. describing notes that are played at the same time to make a chord.

adj. describing the harmonic aspect of a composition where notes in an interval or chord sound simultaneously.

“The teacher explained the difference between a melody and a vertical chord.”

“The composer experimented with dense vertical structures, creating complex clusters of sound that challenged traditional harmonic expectations.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a line or part of a structure that goes straight up.

n. a vertical line, plane, or structural component.

“Check the vertical with a spirit level to make sure the wall is straight.”

“The design features a series of steel verticals that support the weight of the glass canopy.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic · Formal

n. a system where power flows from the top down to the bottom.

n. a hierarchical command structure used for the exercise of political or organizational power.

“The country's political vertical ensures that local leaders follow the central government.”

“The consolidation of the power vertical meant that regional governors were now directly accountable to the president.”