upscale

[uhp-skeyl, uhp-skeyl, uhp-skeyl]

adjective

1. located at, moving toward, or of or for the upper end of a social or economic scale.

   The boutique caters to upscale young career people.

2. luxurious, costly, or elegant.

verb (used with object)

upscaled, upscaling 

1. to improve the quality, value, or rating of.

   a five-year plan to upscale the neighborhood.

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. elegant, elite, privileged persons collectively.

   shops that only the upscale can afford to patronize.

upscale

adjective

1. of or for the upper end of an economic or social scale; up-market

verb

1. (tr) to increase the scale of

Word History and Origins

Origin of upscale¹

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75; up- + scale ³

Example Sentences

Perry and Trudeau first sparked relationship rumors in late July, when they were seen sharing a meal and some good conversation at an upscale restaurant in Montreal.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The houses are now private residences, upscale bars, fashion boutiques and coffee shops, making it one of Singapore’s most pleasant walking districts.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Designed by Canadian interior decorator Lori Morris, the mansion abounds with upscale finishes and chic glamour.

Read more on MarketWatch

Large, bright rooms; lots of chic, blond wood; plus a simple, white-and-beige palette add up to an inescapably upscale vibe.

Read more on MarketWatch

This is in keeping with the show’s calling card of marrying high and low culinary traditions, transforming the concept of upscale into a state of mind.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• comfortable 
• deluxe 
• expensive 
• extravagant 
• fancy 
• gorgeous 
• grand 
• imposing 
• lavish 
• lush 
• opulent 
• ostentatious 
• palatial 
• plush 
• posh 
• ritzy 
• splendid 
• stately 
• sumptuous