downward

[ doun-werd ]

adverb

1. Also downwards. 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.

adjective

1. moving or tending to a lower place or condition.
2. descending from a source or beginning.

downward

/ ˈdaʊnwəd /

adjective

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

adverb

1. a variant of downwards

Derived Forms

• ˈdownwardly, adverb
• ˈdownwardness, noun

Other Words From

• downward·ly adverb
• downward·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of downward¹

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

Example Sentences

The prosecution told the trial that Thomas was in a "downward spiral" but in control of his actions at the time of the killing.

From BBC

But there are “bitter arguments” over crucial details, such as whether the Indian Plate continues to slide beneath Tibet or is diving downward, Klemperer says.

From Science Magazine

There has been little evidence of this in recent years, with concerns the WRU hierarchy are sleepwalking into a continued downward spiral.

From BBC

The TV series is made in the image of the Villeneuve film, with downward adjustments for budget and such.

From Los Angeles Times

Demand is expected to continue its downward trajectory in the coming years as California increases its utilization of renewable energy sources.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• descending
• downwards