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

“It’s worth making that investment even though it’s a high cost up-front.”

From Los Angeles Times

The prince paid considerable amounts up-front when he took on the lease for Royal Lodge in 2003, which has meant lower costs for him in the longer term, making it less of an incentive to leave now.

From BBC

Despite some negative reactions to the re-tellings of Sweet Bobby, Kirat says she would rather deal with questions up-front.

From BBC

The transition has up-front costs, but the long-range benefits are huge.

From Los Angeles Times

The deal, which still needs regulatory approval, will see Molex pay an up-front fee of £150m and "potential deferred payments of up to £148m" if certain requirements are met.

From BBC