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

The first two players on that list were 23 and 24 years respectively in 2022 and appeared to be on the ascent. —Tony Blengino, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

But Honnold has never free climbed the route—a style that allows climbers to use ropes and climbing gear for protection but not to aid the ascent. —Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 9 Dec. 2024

The slanting afternoon light lends his ascent a spooky, otherworldly glow. —Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024

According to the newspaper, other megadonors have also floated the idea of moving abroad, illustrating the deep fears among the Left about Trump’s second ascent to power. —Gabe Kaminsky, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Nov. 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