upward mobility
noun
: the capacity or facility for rising to a higher social or economic position
upwardly mobile
adjective
Examples of upward mobility in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For decades, a diploma was the ticket to upward mobility.
—
Jason Wingard, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Our very optimism—our very Dream—has permitted half a century of declining upward mobility and gaping inequality.
—Alice Lassman, Time, 8 Sep. 2025
The American Dream has long symbolized the promise of opportunity, prosperity, and upward mobility.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
But without Bertha’s savvy understanding of polite society, George wouldn’t be able to court critical clients outside the office, sustain essential relationships, or properly position his family for upward mobility.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upward mobility
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jason Wingard, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Our very optimism—our very Dream—has permitted half a century of declining upward mobility and gaping inequality.
—Alice Lassman, Time, 8 Sep. 2025
The American Dream has long symbolized the promise of opportunity, prosperity, and upward mobility.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
But without Bertha’s savvy understanding of polite society, George wouldn’t be able to court critical clients outside the office, sustain essential relationships, or properly position his family for upward mobility.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upward mobility
Cite this Entry
“Upward mobility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upward%20mobility. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share