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trickle-up

American  
[trik-uhl-uhp] / ˈtrɪk əlˈʌp /

adjective

  1. noting or pertaining to the theory that monetary benefits directed toward small businesses and lower socioeconomic brackets will gradually pass up to big businesses and higher socioeconomic brackets.

  2. noting or pertaining to the theory that change and information moves upward in a hierarchy.


Etymology

Origin of trickle-up

First recorded in 1950–55; after trickle-down (theory) ( def. )

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.

Decentralized, people-centered approaches can have trickle-up effects to improving governance and transparency throughout a region plagued by corruption.

From Washington Post • Dec. 27, 2021

Today, just look at brands such as Valentino with its spring 2018 ready-to-wear collection filled with louche tracksuits and Balenciaga’s sporty four-figure windbreakers as being examples of hip-hip’s trickle-up effect.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2018

And there is also the risk of a trickle-up effect: Employees not affected by the change might expect to see an increase in pay as well.

From New York Times • May 18, 2016

It creates the trickle-up effect which supports the bigger subsidised houses and eventually the West End – and in the process aids the British economy's recovery.

From The Guardian • Jun. 19, 2012

The term for this new approach is trickle-up innovation.

From BusinessWeek • Mar. 11, 2009

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