uplift

American  

[uhp-lift, uhp-lift] / ʌpˈlɪft, ˈʌpˌlɪft /

verb (used with object)

• uplifts,
  present (3rd person singular)
• uplifted,
  past participle,  past
• uplifting
  present participle

1. 

   to lift up; raise; elevate.

2. to improve socially, culturally, morally, or the like.

   to uplift downtrodden and deprived peoples.

3. to exalt emotionally or spiritually.

---

verb (used without object)

• uplifts,
  present (3rd person singular)
• uplifted,
  past participle,  past
• uplifting
  present participle

1. to become uplifted.

noun

1. an act of lifting up or raising; elevation.

2. the process or work of improving, as socially, intellectually, or morally.

3. emotional or spiritual exaltation.

   Synonyms:

   enhancement, betterment, enrichment

4. a brassiere.

5. Geology. an upheaval.

uplift British  

verb

1. to raise; elevate; lift up

2. to raise morally, spiritually, culturally, etc

3. to collect (a passenger, parcel, etc); pick up

---

noun

1. the act, process, or result of lifting up

2. the act or process of bettering moral, social or cultural conditions, etc

3. 1. a brassiere for lifting and supporting the breasts

   2. ( as modifier )

      an uplift bra

4. the process or result of land being raised to a higher level, as during a period of mountain building

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• uplifter
  noun
• upliftment
  noun

Inflected Forms

Participles

• uplifting
  present
• uplifted
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• uplift
  simple
• uplifts
  simple
• have uplifted
  perfect
• has uplifted
  perfect
• am uplifting
  progressive
• are uplifting
  progressive
• is uplifting
  progressive
• have been uplifting
  perfect progressive
• has been uplifting
  perfect progressive

Past

• uplifted
  simple
• had uplifted
  perfect
• was uplifting
  progressive
• were uplifting
  progressive
• had been uplifting
  perfect progressive

Future

• will uplift
  simple
• will have uplifted
  perfect
• will be uplifting
  progressive
• will have been uplifting
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of uplift

First recorded in 1300–50, uplift is from the Middle English word upliften. See up-, lift

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

uplift uplifts uplifted uplifting

"There have been challenges," he said, "but now the government is really trying hard to consolidate the youth. The government is implementing programmes that will really uplift their lives."

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026

“If the transaction closes, then we could potentially estimate an 8% uplift in proportional earnings through FY27-28, and the potential for improved distributable free cash flows and ultimately distributions,” RBC says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026

"Our staff were able to uplift the seal and drive it to a safe place where it was released into the water," Senior Sergeant Miriam Bentley from Wellington Police said.

From Barron's ● Sep. 28, 2026

Productions that film at least half of their days and spend at least $10 million in qualified compensation in 10 or more states also could qualify for an additional uplift.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 24, 2026

Although many poor African Americans rejected the philosophies, tactics, and strategies of the black elite, ultimately moral uplift ideology became the new common sense.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Meanwhile NielsenIQ noted many related works -- including "The Iliad", Madeline Miller's "Circe" and Margaret Atwood's "The Penelopiad" -- had also seen "significant" sales uplifts.

From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026

"I reiterate my commitment to ensuring HSC colleagues receive their recommended 26/27 pay uplifts, despite the unprecedented shortfall as indicated in my draft budget," he said.

From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026

Devlin also questioned how quickly MLAs would receive the money, when nurses have previously had to threaten strike action to get their pay uplifts promised by the Northern Ireland Executive.

From BBC ● Feb. 20, 2026

“It uplifts burgers and sandwiches when used as a spread,” TJ’s said of its seasonal cheese.

From Salon ● Sep. 29, 2025

The curious beauty of African music is that it uplifts even as it tells a sad tale.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

‘We are taking this moment to refine our humor guidelines to ensure . . . satire does not hurt communities and voices that should be uplifted.’

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

"She gives so much growth to the county and the surrounding Appalachia -- economically, yes, but she has also uplifted us spiritually. She's known worldwide for being so kind."

From Barron's ● Aug. 26, 2026

It’s been a week of emotional and intellectual whiplash, but I head into the theater feeling uplifted.

From Slate ● May 8, 2026

UCLA’s bench was uplifted all season by Close’s warm intentionality, learned from years of mentorship from Wooden.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 29, 2026

In Tannhauser, Lohengrin and The Mastersingers of Nuremberg he reworked ancient legend-fables so that his contemporaries would be uplifted by the chivalric pride inherent in the tales.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

"I'm excited to keep uplifting my friends and cheering them on as they reach for the Moon. Together, we'll keep pushing boundaries and inspiring the next giant leap."

From Science Daily ● Sep. 26, 2026

And zonk it is, indeed; “Date Night” is an exhilarating, high-velocity, uplifting song with a surprisingly singable chorus.

From Salon ● Sep. 22, 2026

His government runs a number of scheme aimed at uplifting women and Modi enjoys tremendous popularity among female voters.

From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026

“His commitment to uplifting those around him extended far beyond sports, as he faithfully served in his church, offering support, counsel and friendship to anyone in need,” the post read.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026

The view, I'll admit, is less than uplifting.

From "Seedfolks" by Paul Fleischman

Related Words

• excite
• exhilarate
• improve
• lift up