ups and downs

plural noun

1. rises and falls of fortune; good and bad times.

   Every business has its ups and downs.

ups and downs

plural noun

1. alternating periods of good and bad fortune, high and low spirits, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of ups and downs¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Idioms and Phrases

Good times and bad times, successes and failures, as in We've had our ups and downs but things are going fairly well now. This term was first recorded in 1659.

Example Sentences

Audu Abdullahi Ofisa, a bandit leader who took part in the Jibia talks, endorsed the move towards peace: "Life is full of ups and downs, we are happy to go into another phase."

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Equally as important, India is less exposed to the ups and downs of U.S.-China geopolitics.

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Equally as important, India is less exposed to the ups and downs of U.S.-China geopolitics.

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“For many years I have shared my family with you all—the highs and lows, the ups and downs, and all of the blessings and beautiful memories in between,” the on-screen star wrote.

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"There were various ups and downs along the way, but I am very grateful for this outcome, and I believe the defendant feels the same," said the defendant's lawyer.

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