up-front

[ uhp-fruhnt ]

adjective

1. invested or paid in advance or as beginning capital:

   an up-front fee of five percent and an additional five percent when the job is done.

2. honest; candid; straightforward:

   He's very up-front about discussing his past.

3. conspicuous or prominent:

   The company has an up-front position in its industry.

4. located in the front or forward section:

   to request up-front seats on a plane.

adverb

1. as an initial investment, beginning capital, or an advance payment:

   They'll need a half-million dollars up-front before opening the business.

2. before other payments, deductions, or returning a profit:

   Estimated operating expenses will be deducted up-front.

Word History and Origins

Origin of up-front¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

For Scotland to progress to the next level, though, you suspect that they're going to need more creativity and more ruthlessness up front.

From BBC

“You win up front,” left tackle Alaric Jackson said, “you win the game.”

From Los Angeles Times

With the added bulk of flanker Francois Louw and locks RG Snyman and Franco Mostert, the Springboks opted for six forwards on the bench and only two backs as an innovative way of maintaining their dominance up front for the entire 80 minutes.

From BBC

These adjustments can cost thousands of pounds up front, but, if properly executed, they could improve comfort and reduce people’s bills in the long-run.

From BBC

“It motivates us all, especially the guys up front to just stay on their blocks if the Gus bus is coming behind you.”

From Los Angeles Times