1
a
: the act of rising or mounting upward : climb
completed their ascent of the mountain
b
: an upward slope or rising grade : acclivity
followed the steep ascent to the top of the hill
c
: the degree of elevation : inclination, gradient
2
: an advance in social status or reputation : progress
their ascent from the lower class to the middle class
3
: a going back in time or upward in order of genealogical succession
Examples of ascent in a Sentence
They followed a steep ascent to the top of the hill.
our plane broke through some heavy low clouds during its ascent and leveled off once we were above them
Recent Examples on the Web
And yet, the ascent of India in the world economy seems preordained.
—
Alex Travelli, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2024
However, the recent ascent of interest rates has added a new dimension to this scenario.
—Christian Oberbeck, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Yet allowing the specifics of his ascent to be clouded by disdain is not much better than allowing his memory to be ennobled by mystery.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024
The Mega Millions jackpot continues its ascent after no ticket matched all the winning numbers drawn Tuesday.
—Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press, 13 Mar. 2024
Martin himself isn’t even sure what to make of it, deflecting questions about his ascent with equal parts self-deprecating digs and deer-in-headlights astonishment.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2024
Though the marvellous Sanada exudes an enigmatic nobility, Toranaga’s refusal to confide in his advisers thwarts any real insight into—or investment in—his ascent.
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024
Peters, of course, began his storied ascent as a hairstylist before producing such films as A Star Is Born, Flashdance and the Michael Keaton Batman pictures.
—Samuel Braslow, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Feb. 2024
Once West and $ign’s 16 new placements on the chart disappear, the tune could continue its upward ascent.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024
Alex Travelli, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2024
However, the recent ascent of interest rates has added a new dimension to this scenario.
—Christian Oberbeck, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Yet allowing the specifics of his ascent to be clouded by disdain is not much better than allowing his memory to be ennobled by mystery.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024
The Mega Millions jackpot continues its ascent after no ticket matched all the winning numbers drawn Tuesday.
—Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press, 13 Mar. 2024
Martin himself isn’t even sure what to make of it, deflecting questions about his ascent with equal parts self-deprecating digs and deer-in-headlights astonishment.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2024
Though the marvellous Sanada exudes an enigmatic nobility, Toranaga’s refusal to confide in his advisers thwarts any real insight into—or investment in—his ascent.
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024
Peters, of course, began his storied ascent as a hairstylist before producing such films as A Star Is Born, Flashdance and the Michael Keaton Batman pictures.
—Samuel Braslow, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Feb. 2024
Once West and $ign’s 16 new placements on the chart disappear, the tune could continue its upward ascent.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ascent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to ascent
Dictionary Entries Near ascent
Cite this Entry
“Ascent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ascent. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ascent
noun
as·cent
ə-ˈsent 
a-
1
: the act of rising or climbing up
began their ascent of the mountain
2
: an upward slope
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