Downward: meaning, definitions and examples

Describing a general direction or movement toward a lower place, position, or condition.

• The stock prices have been on a downward trend for the past month
• Her mood took a downward turn after the bad news

Often used in a more formal or technical context to describe something moving or going down from a higher level to a lower one, often in steps or stages.

• The hikers started descending the mountain at sunrise
• The staircase is steep and descending it requires caution

Typically used when talking about actively making something go down, such as reducing a price, temperature, or object.

• The mechanic was lowering the car onto the ground
• They are considering lowering the price of the product to attract more customers

Refers to something dropping under the force of gravity, and it can be used both literally and metaphorically.

• Leaves were falling from the trees as autumn approached
• The company's profits have been falling for the third consecutive quarter

This repeat of 'downward' might be redundant. It is advisable to consider its context in comparison to 'down' for similar meanings but used in formal contexts.

• Traveling to a downward path can be challenging
• A slope going downward requires careful navigation

A more general term that can be used for indicating movement from a higher to a lower position, often in a less formal context.

• She went down the stairs
• The kids slid down the hill

Used to indicate that something is at a lower level but not necessarily moving. It often implies that it is already positioned lower.

• The basement is below the first floor
• Temperatures will drop below freezing tonight

Used to describe something situated at a low place or something being moved to a lesser position.

• The lower shelves are for kids
• He had to lower the box slowly to avoid dropping it

Duplicate word, see above.

Primarily used for situations where there is a gradual decrease in quality, quantity, or importance. Often related to health, business, or the economy.

• There has been a steady decline in customer satisfaction
• His health began to decline after the surgery

Refers to the act of moving down from a higher position, often used in physical or geographical contexts. It can also describe a moral or social decrease.

• The airplane began its descent into the airport
• His descent into addiction was heartbreaking

Often refers to a sudden fall or decrease, both in a physical and metaphorical sense. It can have a more informal or everyday usage compared to 'decline' or 'descent'.

• There was a sudden drop in temperature
• She accidentally let the vase drop