downward

1 of 2

adverb

down·​ward ˈdau̇n-wərd 

variants or downwards

ˈdau̇n-wərdz 

1

a

: from a higher to a lower place

b

: toward a direction that is the opposite of up

2

: from a higher to a lower condition

3

a

: from an earlier time

b

: from an ancestor or predecessor

downward

2 of 2

adjective

1

: moving or extending downward

2

: descending from a head, origin, or source

downwardly adverb

downwardness noun

Synonyms of downward

Adverb

• down

Adjective

• bowed
• lowered
• down

Examples of downward in a Sentence

Adverb

The mountain streams flow downward to the lake.

Mud covered his pants from the knees downward.

Adjective

Sales continued their downward trend.

the downward revision of an estimate

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Tenkan-sen is below the Kijun-sen, with both lines sloping downward. —Karl Montevirgen, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026

By systematically applying color to sections of these overlapping forms, Bettina seemed to punch upward and drill downward through the dense honeycomb, creating a sense of three-dimensional space on the page. —Katherine Rochester, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026

Adjective

If the Iran war drags on for months, the outlook could quickly darken, setting off a downward economic spiral as falling stocks give way to weaker spending and, ultimately, a recession. —Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026

But on the predictive market that is the NBA trade market, Kel’el at the moment finds a downward arrow next to his name. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing downward

• downward dog
• downward facing dog
• downward spiral

Kids Definition

downward

1 of 2 adverb

down·​ward ˈdau̇n-wərd 

variants or downwards

-wərdz 

1

: from a higher place or condition to a lower one

2

: from an earlier time

downward

2 of 2 adjective

: moving or reaching down

Legal Definition

downward

1 of 2 adjective

down·​ward

: going from a higher to a lower level

a downward departure from the sentencing guidelines

downward

2 of 2 adverb

: from a higher to a lower level

instead of following the sentencing guidelines, the court departed downward