downward

1 of 2

adverb

down·​ward ˈdau̇n-wərd 

variants or downwards

ˈdau̇n-wərdz 

1

a

: from a higher to a lower place

b

: toward a direction that is the opposite of up

2

: from a higher to a lower condition

3

a

: from an earlier time

b

: from an ancestor or predecessor

downward

2 of 2

adjective

1

: moving or extending downward

2

: descending from a head, origin, or source

downwardly adverb

downwardness noun

Synonyms

Adverb

• below
• down
• over

Adjective

• bowed
• down
• downcast
• lowered

Examples of downward in a Sentence

Adverb

The mountain streams flow downward to the lake.

Mud covered his pants from the knees downward.

Adjective

Sales continued their downward trend.

the downward revision of an estimate

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

While prices are clearly trending downward, there are risks. —Jack Ewing, New York Times, 3 June 2024

Wilson’s departure comes as public ratings of Jabil on employee review platform Indeed have trended downward from 3.04 in 2022 to 2.92 in 2024, out of 3,900 reviews and with 5.0 as the highest. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 24 May 2024

Adjective

By contrast, opponents of Trump face the logistical barriers and financial risks involved with shorting the stock -- an investing strategy that delivers returns when a stock drops and, in turn, places downward pressure on the price. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 31 May 2024

These numbers are expected to continue on a downward trend when looking at birth rates, residential population, elementary enrollment and neighborhood construction. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing downward

• downward spiral

Kids Definition

downward

1 of 2 adverb

down·​ward ˈdau̇n-wərd 

variants or downwards

-wərdz 

1

: from a higher place or condition to a lower one

2

: from an earlier time

downward

2 of 2 adjective

: moving or reaching down

Legal Definition

downward

1 of 2 adjective

down·​ward

: going from a higher to a lower level

a downward departure from the sentencing guidelines

downward

2 of 2 adverb

: from a higher to a lower level

instead of following the sentencing guidelines, the court departed downward