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.
The EFTC’s supporters are correct that schools’ variable expenses — which is primarily the cost of educators and administrators — can be adjusted downward.
From Salon ● Jul. 28, 2026
The trip comes at a mixed moment for Milei's economy, which has seen inflation on a downward trend over the past three months -- though it is still at 33.5 percent year-on-year.
From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026
The company is willing to turn off Google’s access if the downward trend in search activity continues, he said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
Arguelles discovered as an adult that Charles Manson was his father through a DNA test, which sparked a downward mental health spiral that intensified as the documentary moved forward.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026
The glass vial tumbled downward, and Christopher kicked desperately after it.
From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell
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.
