upswing

American  

[uhp-swing, uhp-swing] / ˈʌpˌswɪŋ, ʌpˈswɪŋ /

noun

1. an upward swing or swinging movement, as of a pendulum.

2. a marked increase or improvement.

   an upswing in stock prices.

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verb (used without object)

upswung, upswinging

1. to make or undergo an upswing.

upswing British  

noun

1. economics a recovery period in the trade cycle

2. an upward swing or movement or any increase or improvement

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verb

1. (intr) to swing or move up

Usage

What does on the upswing mean? The expression on the upswing refers to something in the process of improving or increasing. It’s often used in the context of economics. How is on the upswing pronounced?[ on thuh uhp-swing ]What are some other words related to on the upswing?

• uptick
• success
• streak
• downswing

Etymology

Origin of upswing

First recorded in 1920–25; up- + swing ¹

Explanation

An upswing is a period of improvement or growth, like the upswing in a town's population that results in an upswing in its economy. An upswing is also a literal upward swing of the arms, the way you move a jump rope or golf club. The golf meaning dates from 1922. The first figurative use of upswing in 1934, during the Great Depression, described economic improvements that were on the horizon. If you've ever had a period of bad luck, you know how it feels when life seems to finally be on the upswing, becoming a little bit better every day.

Example Sentences

McElligott believes this market upswing could go on for a while, because of just how underexposed investors have been.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

The upswing from February requires a little asterisk.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

Even after the upswing, shares are still off 18% year-to-date.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

As Barron’s has warned, memory-chip suppliers have in the past built too much capacity during the upswing of a semiconductor cycle, leading to sharp crashes.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

One Saturday morning not long after Mom started wearing her new diamond ring, her mood was on an upswing, and she decided we’d all clean the house.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

Related Words

• upturn