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
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.
So upward mobility became the calling card of American life. Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025 While the conventional path to upward mobility in Nigeria might have led him to becoming a doctor or nurse, his parents supported his pursuit of technology. IEEE Spectrum, 18 Nov. 2024 Her research has found these schools generate more upward mobility than any other type of institution, yet they are underfunded compared to state flagships. Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024 Revitalizing rural and urban communities and encouraging private capital investment to create opportunities for upward mobility. Sophia Cai, Axios, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for upward mobility 

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upward mobility was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near upward mobility

Cite this Entry

“Upward mobility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upward%20mobility. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

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