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
Protecting Authentic Japanese Whisky The ascent of Japanese whisky on the world’s stage came with an unfortunate side effect: a more deceptive counterpart masquerading under the same name.
—
Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
The ascent of this 32-year-old Dane has been breathtaking, but the artist, a man at ease with himself, is taking it all in stride.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 2 June 2025
Several of Ship's six Raptor engines conked out toward the end of its ascent burn, and the vehicle began to tumble.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 30 May 2025
The route includes some short ascents and descents and takes place on a variety of paths, including pavement, loose gravel, and forest trails.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ascent
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Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
The ascent of this 32-year-old Dane has been breathtaking, but the artist, a man at ease with himself, is taking it all in stride.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 2 June 2025
Several of Ship's six Raptor engines conked out toward the end of its ascent burn, and the vehicle began to tumble.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 30 May 2025
The route includes some short ascents and descents and takes place on a variety of paths, including pavement, loose gravel, and forest trails.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ascent
Cite this Entry
“Ascent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ascent. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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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