upscale

American  

[uhp-skeyl, uhp-skeyl, uhp-skeyl] / ˈʌpˈskeɪl, ʌpˈskeɪl, ˈʌpˌskeɪl /

adjective

1. located at, moving toward, or of or for the upper end of a social or economic scale.

   The boutique caters to upscale young career people.

2. luxurious, costly, or elegant.

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verb (used with object)

upscaled, upscaling

1. to improve the quality, value, or rating of.

   a five-year plan to upscale the neighborhood.

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. elegant, elite, privileged persons collectively.

   shops that only the upscale can afford to patronize.

upscale British  

adjective

1. of or for the upper end of an economic or social scale; up-market

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verb

1. (tr) to increase the scale of

Etymology

Origin of upscale

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75; up- + scale ³

Example Sentences

Now frozen by British sanctions, the properties have fallen into disrepair, the overgrown lots a blight on an upscale street lined with manicured gardens and iron gates.

From The Wall Street Journal

Wearing an ill-fitting hooded sweatshirt, with gray stubbles and baggy eyes, he didn’t look like a typical upscale tourist.

From The Wall Street Journal

Stay for the pleasant, upscale setting that retains its character.

From The Wall Street Journal

Burdell, an upscale restaurant serving nostalgic soul food, is the latest to be caught in contentious online debates about the U.S. tip culture.

From Los Angeles Times

The city's mayor said the hit in an upscale neighbourhood in the north was a "direct strike".

From Barron's

Related Words

• comfortable
• deluxe
• expensive
• extravagant
• fancy
• gorgeous
• grand
• imposing
• lavish
• lush
• opulent
• ostentatious
• palatial
• plush
• posh
• ritzy
• splendid
• stately
• sumptuous