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 data agency revised downward its initial retail sales estimate in April, to 0.4% from a previous 0.5% reading.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 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
After an initial investor frenzy that saw the company be valued more than Amazon and Microsoft, and Musk become the world's first trillionaire, the price of its shares have drifted downward.
From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026
Father grabs the tiller, thrusting its blades downward.
From "Will’s Race for Home" 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.
