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

Much of Kahan’s upswing was caught on camera.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

The upswing from February requires a little asterisk.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

That points to the potential for the biggest and most diverse managers to have other strategies on the upswing even while credit struggles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 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

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