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

Example Sentences

The upswing from February requires a little asterisk.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

The news, released Friday morning, shattered the markets’ assumption that the labor market has firmed and hiring is on the upswing.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

This year, however, energy prices have stabilized with cold U.S. winter weather, and fourth-quarter earnings are on the upswing following a “challenging” first three quarters of 2025, he noted.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

As of last month, valuations of big oil companies assumed flat oil demand growth, even though there’s evidence that demand is still on the upswing, he noted.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

The upswing is that, having eliminated the need for both eating and sleeping, you have a full twenty-four hours a day to spread your charm and talent.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Related Words

• upturn