ascent

noun

as·​cent ə-ˈsent 

a-

1

a

: the act of rising or mounting upward : climb

completed their ascent of the mountain

b

: an upward slope or rising grade : acclivity

followed the steep ascent to the top of the hill

c

: the degree of elevation : inclination, gradient

2

: an advance in social status or reputation : progress

their ascent from the lower class to the middle class

3

: a going back in time or upward in order of genealogical succession

Synonyms

• ascension
• climb
• rise
• rising
• soar

Examples of ascent in a Sentence

They followed a steep ascent to the top of the hill.

our plane broke through some heavy low clouds during its ascent and leveled off once we were above them

Recent Examples on the Web

What this Canada core has lacked through their ascent beginning in 2019 under John Herdman is the ability to win decisive games — particularly against stiff competition — continually. —Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025

China’s ascent flooded the market with low cost goods and global shipping volumes exploded. —Steven Dudash, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

The pair vanished during their ascent, enabling Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary to proclaim themselves the first to reach Everest’s summit 29 years later, in 1953. —Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Dec. 2024

For Norton, the movie represents not only a glimpse at Dylan's ascent but also a chance for younger generations to understand a pivotal moment in the nation's history. —Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

irregular from ascend

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

ascent

noun

as·​cent ə-ˈsent 

a-

1

: the act of rising or climbing up

began their ascent of the mountain

2

: an upward slope