up-and-coming

[uhp-uhn-kuhm-ing]

adjective

1. likely to succeed; bright and industrious.

   an up-and-coming young executive.

up-and-coming

adjective

1. promising continued or future success; enterprising

Other Word Forms

• up-and-comer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of up-and-coming¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

But industry insiders, experts and officials told The Times they aren’t slowing the pursuit of this up-and-coming technology.

From Los Angeles Times

He is an up-and-coming graffiti artist who signed up to paint some authentic-looking graffiti for this film.

From Los Angeles Times

Once an up-and-coming baseball wunderkind, Hank is now content watching his beloved San Francisco Giants play from across the country while he makes a modest name for himself among the bar patrons.

From Salon

Directed by Jay Roach and written by Tony McNamara, Theo is an architect whose career collapses at the same time as his wife's career as an up-and-coming chef skyrockets.

From BBC

For Democrats, the plans would boost the fortunes of up-and-coming politicians and shore up vulnerable incumbents in Congress, including two new lawmakers who won election by fewer than 1,000 votes last fall.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• promising