ascent

noun

as·​cent ə-ˈsent How to pronounce ascent (audio)
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

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
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.
The book, which does not yet have a title, will chronicle Brandy’s ascent from singing at her hometown church in McComb, Mississippi, to R&B stardom, acting, and beyond. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 9 Jan. 2025 Well, that tracks The very first on-board impression during technical rehearsal was during the slow ascent up the 90-degree lift hill that leads out of the loading station. Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2025 Fueling the ascent of the world’s largest cryptocurrency is speculation that the United States will embrace bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset after the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Sam Lyman, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 At the time of Mr. Trudeau’s rise, the world watched the ascent of Mr. Trump in the U.S., the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, and growing authoritarianism around the world. Sara Miller Llana, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ascent 

Word History

Etymology

irregular from ascend

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ascent was in 1581

Dictionary Entries Near ascent

Cite this Entry

“Ascent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ascent. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

ascent

noun
as·​cent ə-ˈsent How to pronounce ascent (audio)
a-
1
: the act of rising or climbing up
began their ascent of the mountain
2
: an upward slope

More from Merriam-Webster on ascent

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