up-and-coming

American  

[uhp-uhn-kuhm-ing] / ˈʌp ənˈkʌm ɪŋ /

adjective

1. likely to succeed; bright and industrious.

   an up-and-coming young executive.

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up-and-coming British  

adjective

1. promising continued or future success; enterprising

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Other Word Forms

• up-and-comer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of up-and-coming

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Explanation

If someone is up-and-coming, they're verging on being really successful or famous. An up-and-coming rock band is just starting to be popular and beginning to draw crowds at their shows. If you're an up-and-coming magician, you might be a little bit new to doing magic tricks, but you work hard at it and are actually pretty good. Local fans might be starting to mention your name when someone's looking for a birthday party entertainer: "Have you seen that amazing up-and-coming magician who pulls rabbits out of her hat and then turns them into bouquets of flowers?"

Example Sentences

Eileen Wang emerged as an up-and-coming community leader in the San Gabriel Valley several years ago.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

But in the season opener, he threw an interception and a new coach made him share time at quarterback with an up-and-coming sophomore.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

Doumit joined “The Boys” in the second season as Victoria Neuman, an up-and-coming politician with a superpowered secret.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

One of the most impressive things about “Point Blank” is that the up-and-coming Mr. Boorman made the film with an old-time crew largely unaccustomed to his innovative ways who nonetheless rose to the occasion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

But what Bobby liked most was that nobody at the inn, other than Bezold and his son Michael, an up-and-coming chess player, knew who he was.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

• promising