ascent

noun

as·​cent ə-ˈsent 

a-

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

Synonyms of ascent

• climb
• ascension

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

Hikers should be prepared for steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, and high altitude conditions. —Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 2026

That goal kickstarted his ascent to being sold for more than $8 million to Spanish club Villarreal last summer. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 1 May 2026

While Norman was the primary face of LIV’s ascent, Al-Rumayyan was the somewhat mysterious force in the background, providing funding and making deals. —Brody Miller, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026

The teams joined forces on the final part of the ascent, but when a savage storm struck on a section known as the Chandelle, the men became trapped on the pillar for four days and nights without food, shelter, or escape. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

irregular from ascend

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for ascent

• accent
• advent
• assent
• augment
• cement
• consent
• dement
• descent
• detent
• dissent
• event
• extent

Kids 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