upstream

American  

[uhp-streem] / ˈʌpˈstrim /

adverb

1. toward or in the higher part of a stream; against the current.

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adjective

1. directed upstream; situated upstream.

   an upstream journey; an upstream hideout.

2. Commerce. of or relating to the early stages in the operations of a business or industry, as exploration and production in the oil business (downstream ).

3. against or opposite to the direction of transcription, translation, or synthesis of a DNA, RNA, or protein molecule.

upstream British  

/ ˈʌpˈstriːm /

adverb

1. in or towards the higher part of a stream; against the current

2. (in the oil industry) of or for any of the stages prior to oil production, such as exploration or research Compare downstream

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Etymology

Origin of upstream

First recorded in 1675–85; up- + stream

Example Sentences

It also estimated that changes in gas prices may dent upstream earnings by up to $300 million, or boost them by up to $100 million compared with the prior quarter.

From The Wall Street Journal

As a result, “the upstream sector shifted focus from expanding production to maximizing free cash flow generation, leading to more-controlled capex spending.”

From Barron's

For Malaysia, earnings and capital expenditure assumptions remain unchanged, as domestic activity is driven mainly by Petronas’ upstream spending discipline rather than external geopolitical developments.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rystad estimates that $53 billion of upstream and infrastructure spending would be required over 15 years just to keep crude oil production flat.

From Barron's

Rystad estimates that $53 billion of upstream and infrastructure spending would be required over 15 years just to keep crude oil production flat.

From Barron's

Related Words

• ambitious
• arduous
• burdensome
• challenging
• crucial
• demanding
• laborious
• onerous
• painful
• problematic
• severe
• strenuous
• tough
• troublesome