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

Adverb

• below
• down
• over

Adjective

• bowed
• down
• downcast
• lowered

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

Even with statistics that show killings and other serious crimes trending downward, recent election results show the public remains concerned about safety — or the perception that cities are unsafe. —Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024

Among Russell 3000 health care companies, personal security costs actually trended downward from 0.8% in 2018, to 0.5% in 2024, Esgauge data reveals. —Brooke Seipel, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2024

Adjective

With gang activity following a general downward trend in crime overall across Los Angeles, there has been growing debate about whether the injunctions still make sense, especially given the past legal challenges. —Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024

While much of the luxury market has faltered in recent years, Hermès is still going strong, bucking the downward trends that other groups have faced. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2024

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 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