upcycle

American  

[uhp-sahy-kuhl] / ˈʌpˌsaɪ kəl /

verb (used with object)

upcycled, upcycling

1. to process (used goods or waste material) so as to produce something that is often better than the original.

   I upcycled a stained tablecloth into curtains.

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verb (used without object)

upcycled, upcycling

1. to process goods or material so as to produce something that is often better than the original.

   Several new companies whose purpose is to upcycle have sprung up recently.

noun

1. Economics. a period or cycle during which business activity or profitability is at a high point.

   The whole industry has entered an upcycle.

Other Word Forms

• upcycler noun

Etymology

Origin of upcycle

First recorded in 1990–95; up + (re)cycle

Example Sentences

“We recommend investors start positioning now for a 2027 upcycle, as the home builders typically move early on the first signs of a new cycle.”

From Barron's

UMS’s integrated systems segment is poised to benefit from the ongoing semiconductor upcycle, she adds.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The powerful combination is well-timed to capitalize on an emerging, multi-year offshore drilling upcycle,” said Transocean Chief Executive Keelan Adamson.

From The Wall Street Journal

For now, MAS expects the AI capex upcycle to keep going, though the lagged effects of higher tariffs are likely to weigh on final demand and trade, modestly cooling global growth this year.

From The Wall Street Journal

The bank also views Vietnam as a secondary beneficiary of the upcycle.

From The Wall Street Journal