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

In the 30 years since my first free ascent, only 12 people have made an all free ascent of the Nose. —Lynn Hill, Outside Online, 17 Feb. 2025

The strike was pivotal to Osborn’s political ascent, coming at a time when unions, including the United Auto Workers, were pushing harder against companies for higher wages and benefits. —Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2025

But the Village People’s fall was as fast as their ascent. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 12 Feb. 2025

Last night, Kendrick stood alone as the first solo rap headliner, less as a critical darling and more as a status symbol of hip-hop’s ascent. —Clover Hope, Pitchfork, 10 Feb. 2025

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