upswing

American  

[uhp-swing, uhp-swing] / ˈʌpˌswɪŋ, ʌpˈswɪŋ /

noun

1. an upward swing or swinging movement, as of a pendulum.

2. a marked increase or improvement.

   an upswing in stock prices.

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verb (used without object)

upswung, upswinging

1. to make or undergo an upswing.

upswing British  

noun

1. economics a recovery period in the trade cycle

2. an upward swing or movement or any increase or improvement

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verb

1. (intr) to swing or move up

Usage

What does on the upswing mean? The expression on the upswing refers to something in the process of improving or increasing. It’s often used in the context of economics. How is on the upswing pronounced?[ on thuh uhp-swing ]What are some other words related to on the upswing?

• uptick
• success
• streak
• downswing

Etymology

Origin of upswing

First recorded in 1920–25; up- + swing ¹

Explanation

An upswing is a period of improvement or growth, like the upswing in a town's population that results in an upswing in its economy. An upswing is also a literal upward swing of the arms, the way you move a jump rope or golf club. The golf meaning dates from 1922. The first figurative use of upswing in 1934, during the Great Depression, described economic improvements that were on the horizon. If you've ever had a period of bad luck, you know how it feels when life seems to finally be on the upswing, becoming a little bit better every day.

Example Sentences

"But with external demand picking up and the electronics sector in an upswing, we still think that China's economy is on course to hold up well this year," he said.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

U.S. stocks continued their upswing as artificial intelligence remained investors’ primary focus.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

If projections of the unexpected tax windfall, which analysts attribute to stock market interest in artificial intelligence companies, bear out, the upswing could mark a lucky break for Newsom.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

"The state of the Canadian Armed Forces is currently at a very low point, and it will take five or 10 years before you start to see a real upswing," Shimooka said.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

There was no single reason for the sudden turnabout, the surprising upswing, the unexpected rash of sales.

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier

Related Words

• upturn