up-and-coming

American  

[uhp-uhn-kuhm-ing] / ˈʌp ənˈkʌm ɪŋ /

adjective

1. likely to succeed; bright and industrious.

   an up-and-coming young executive.

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up-and-coming British  

adjective

1. promising continued or future success; enterprising

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Other Word Forms

• up-and-comer noun

Etymology

Origin of up-and-coming

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Explanation

If someone is up-and-coming, they're verging on being really successful or famous. An up-and-coming rock band is just starting to be popular and beginning to draw crowds at their shows. If you're an up-and-coming magician, you might be a little bit new to doing magic tricks, but you work hard at it and are actually pretty good. Local fans might be starting to mention your name when someone's looking for a birthday party entertainer: "Have you seen that amazing up-and-coming magician who pulls rabbits out of her hat and then turns them into bouquets of flowers?"

Example Sentences

When Dark & Wild was recorded in a makeshift studio in LA, BTS was an up-and-coming band, shooting a documentary about their life of hustle.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Often, these movies are from up-and-coming and aspiring filmmakers from all over the world, getting their feet wet in the film industry with a unique opportunity for a global audience.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

It was an entertaining Elite Eight clash that was brought to you by two coaches who staged, like up-and-coming chefs, under two of the greatest leaders the sports world has known.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

But for all those big names, and for up-and-coming artists like Ehio, there has never been an official home to recognise the music she loves to make.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

Muhammad’s hair is short and boring, whereas this guy’s is up-and-coming, straight-up rakish.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali

Related Words

• promising