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
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.
Researchers examined changes in fitness, muscular strength, and endurance, all of which followed a similar downward trend over time.
From Science Daily • May 15, 2026
One possible factor in the downward slide, researchers say, is the rise of social media on smartphones and corresponding declines in recreational reading.
From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026
“Asia is the main outlet for crude oil from the Middle East Gulf, and that’s predictably enough where the downward pressure on crude inventories has been most severe,” he said.
From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026
Single retirees would face a $50,000 limit, with the limit adjusted upward or downward based on claiming age.
From Barron's • May 8, 2026
Their return, that terrifying downward slide through the underground stream, had taken minutes.
From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda
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.
