upshot

American  

[uhp-shot] / ˈʌpˌʃɒt /

noun

1. the final issue, the conclusion, or the result.

   The upshot of the disagreement was a new bylaw.

   Synonyms:

   aftereffect, outgrowth, consequence

2. the gist, as of an argument or thesis.

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upshot British  

/ ˈʌpˌʃɒt /

noun

1. the final result; conclusion; outcome

2. archery the final shot in a match

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Etymology

Origin of upshot

First recorded in 1525–35; up- + shot ¹

Explanation

The upshot of an action is the end result, whatever happens last as a consequence of the original action. The upshot of reading this sentence is that you will understand what the word upshot means. In the 16th century, the last arrow launched in an archery competition was called the upshot. Like that final arrow, the upshot is the conclusion, the outcome. Sure, you can eat ice cream really fast, but the upshot is that you’ll have a brain freeze. The upshot of eating ice cream slowly is that it will melt. Decisions, decisions.

Example Sentences

The upshot, many employees say, is that work has been stripped of fun.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The upshot is that persistent market volatility could well prevent a decisive price move in one direction or the other for cryptocurrencies.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

The upshot is that stocks could see a solid relief rally this week, although investors will likely continue to be whipsawed by headlines.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

Airlines are paying a bundle more for fuel due to skyrocketing oil prices and the upshot for travelers is higher fares.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

But out of respect for his father and grandfather I let things go, and the upshot was that the insolent trash took what I most loved in the whole world.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende

Related Words

• aftereffect
• gist