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

Explanation

Things that are upscale are made for rich people — they are high class, well made, or just plain pricey. If your friend takes you to a fancy, expensive restaurant for your birthday, you can describe it using the word upscale. Upscale neighborhoods are full of lovely, high-priced homes, and upscale vacations might involve yachts, exotic beaches, and private planes. Upscale is the opposite of downscale, which you could use to describe a run-down motel or a grubby, cheap diner. Both adjectives first came into use in the mid-1960s.

Example Sentences

Upscale hotels in thriving coastal markets, which typically have unionized workforces, are doing relatively well, said Ryan Kawai Sanchez, an associate with real estate firm Matthews.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2024

Upscale retailer Macy's said the U.S. consumer pulled back more than anticipated and slashed its annual sales and profit forecasts for the year.

From Reuters • Jun. 1, 2023

Upscale restaurants with extensive wine programs can often feel stuffy and uninviting and community events where folks outside of the industry are welcome are few and far between.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2023

Upscale health club Equinox went against the grain with its New Year’s marketing stunt that was centered around not allowing people to sign up on Jan. 1.

From Washington Times • Jan. 3, 2023

Upscale villas and suites overlook a crescent bay and beach.

From Washington Post • Sep. 9, 2022

Related Words

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