downward
Americanadverb
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Also downwards. from a higher to a lower place or condition.
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down from a source or beginning.
As the river flows downward, it widens.
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from a past time, predecessor, or ancestor.
The estate was handed downward from generation to generation.
adjective
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moving or tending to a lower place or condition.
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descending from a source or beginning.
adjective
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descending from a higher to a lower level, condition, position, etc
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descending from a beginning
adverb
Other Word Forms
- downwardly adverb
- downwardness noun
Etymology
Origin of downward
1150–1200; Middle English dounward, aphetic variant of adounward, Old English adūnweard. See down 1, -ward
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Adam Miller said Los Angeles is on a downward trajectory and is beset with problems.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
As it sinks, it pulls heat, carbon and nutrients downward, helping drive a global system of currents sometimes described as a conveyor belt.
From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2026
Average hourly earnings have largely been on a downward trend over the past year.
From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026
“If this downward trend persists, it could signal even softer momentum in the housing market for the remainder of the year,” said Eugenio Aleman, chief economist at Raymond James.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026
Foils swishing downward, two fencers salute one another.
From "Black Brother, Black Brother" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
