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.
Downward revisions to consumer spending in the first quarter, alongside a slowdown in April, "point to a consumer coming under stress," he added.
From Barron's • May 28, 2026
Downward pressure in prices this month includes discounts and promotions on TVs, alcohol and sound-systems amid the Six Nations rugby tournament, as well as on clothing and footwear, BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
Downward pressure on the stock from here might reflect declining estimates for revenue or earnings or even a dividend cut.
From MarketWatch • Nov. 17, 2025
Past performances included a rendition of “Closer,” NIN’s second single off of its lauded sophomore album, “The Downward Spiral,” released in 1994.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2025
Downward they swooped, their great black wings driving them ever faster.
From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander
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.
