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

Tyler, the Creator has been one of the biggest names in hip-hop for nearly a decade and a half now, but his commercial performance and general stardom is still on the ascent. —Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024

Tour is a testament to their rapid ascent and ongoing success. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 1 Nov. 2024

The ascent catapulted them to international fame, even earning them presidential recognition. —Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 27 Oct. 2024

Indeed, Roan is one of the biggest stars of the moment, with her sudden and quick ascent to fame happening in just a year. —Thania Garcia, Variety, 26 Oct. 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