What does upwardly mean?
Upwardly is a formal adverb meaning in an upward direction or toward a higher position. It can also mean to an increasing degree or extent, especially when describing a trend, although upwards is more usual in everyday speech for that second sense. The word is most recognizable in the fixed expression upwardly mobile, used for people whose social or economic position improves. In that phrase, it describes a person's advancement rather than physical movement. Upwardly is standard in British and American English but is less common and more deliberate than upward or upwards. Because it clearly marks direction and sounds somewhat formal, it works well in writing, analysis, and descriptions of sustained movement or development. Its usefulness lies in emphasizing movement toward a higher level while suggesting continued or increasing progress.
adverbIn or toward an upward direction; to an increasing degree or extent.
- Toward a higher position or in an upward direction.
- To an increasing degree or extent.
"Her career has moved steadily upwardly since she entered the industry."
"After completing evening courses, she became upwardly mobile and eventually secured a managerial position."
"The temperature climbed upwardly throughout the afternoon."
Upwardly mobile is social shorthand for climbing the economic or social ladder.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does upwardly come from?
Upwardly was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to upward. Upward in turn combines the Old English word up with the Germanic directional element -ward, meaning 'in the direction of.' The closely related forms upward and upwards preserve the same core elements, while up remains the basic directional word from which they developed.
How upwardly is actually used
Upwardly is standard but more formal and less common than upward or upwards. It is especially familiar from the expression upwardly mobile.
Easily confused with upwardly
Upwardly is explicitly an adverb, whereas upward is primarily an adjective, although upward is also widely used as an adverb in American English.