downward

American  

[doun-werd] / ˈdaʊn wərd /

adverb

1. Also downwards. from a higher to a lower place or condition.

2. down from a source or beginning.

   As the river flows downward, it widens.

3. from a past time, predecessor, or ancestor.

   The estate was handed downward from generation to generation.

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adjective

1. moving or tending to a lower place or condition.

2. descending from a source or beginning.

downward British  

/ ˈdaʊnwəd /

adjective

1. descending from a higher to a lower level, condition, position, etc

2. descending from a beginning

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adverb

1. a variant of downwards

Other Word Forms

• downwardly adverb
• downwardness noun

Etymology

Origin of downward

1150–1200; Middle English dounward, aphetic variant of adounward, Old English adūnweard. See down ¹, -ward

Example Sentences

Banking and financial services have also faced downward pressure as the conflict heightens global economic uncertainty, and the effects of rising fuel prices filter through the economy at all levels.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Several participants said further downward adjustments to rates would likely be appropriate if inflation declines in line with their expectations.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

The downward trend extends the loss of 42,000 jobs in L.A. between 2022 and 2024, the continued suffering of local sound stages and the offshoring of productions internationally.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Job seekers aren’t the only ones feeling downward pressure on salaries: Employed people can’t assume the customary pay bump is coming this year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Moving both downward and ahead on the ridge’s layered ledges.

From "Paradise on Fire" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Related Words

• descending
• downwards