upbeat

1 of 2

noun

up·​beat ˈəp-ˌbēt 

1

: an unaccented beat or portion of a beat in a musical measure

specifically : the last beat of the measure

2

: an increase in activity or prosperity

business that is on the upbeat

upbeat

2 of 2

adjective

: cheerful, optimistic

I'm feeling upbeat today

Synonyms

Adjective

• blithe
• blithesome
• bright
• buoyant
• canty [British dialect]
• cheerful
• cheery
• chipper
• eupeptic
• gay
• gladsome
• lightsome
• sunny
• winsome

Examples of upbeat in a Sentence

Adjective

I like a story with an upbeat ending.

I tried to stay upbeat about losing the election.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Despite the upbeat, fighting talk, the talk session rounded off with a succession of audience questions which variously asked how Hong Kong martial arts could be saved, promoted or taught. Hung, returning to his habitual ebullient mode, had no doubt. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024

So far this year, the investment bank has not started the season off upbeat, as shares have fallen in every postearnings trading session. —Sean Conlon, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2024

Adjective

Initially, things seem to be upbeat and flying well. —Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024

Surround yourself with upbeat people who offer positive suggestions. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1947, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

upbeat

1 of 2 noun

up·​beat ˈəp-ˌbēt 

: an unaccented beat in a musical measure

especially : the last beat of the measure

upbeat

2 of 2 adjective

: optimistic, cheerful

an upbeat story