English · Word Candidate

downward

/ˈdaʊnwɚd/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Toward a lower level, whether in physical space, in a hierarchy, or in amount or value.

Adverb

Examples

His position in society moved ever downward.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

At a lower level.

Adverb

Examples

Dagon his Name, Sea Monster, upward Man / And downward Fish […]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Moving, sloping or oriented down.

Adjective

Examples

He spoke with a downward glance.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Located at a lower level.

Adjective

Examples

In her chast Current oft the Goddess laves, And with Celestial Tears augments the Waves. Oft in her Glass the musing Shepherd spies The headlong Mountains and the downward Skies, The watry Landskip of the pendant Woods, And absent Trees that tremble in the Floods;

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “downward” mean?

Toward a lower level, whether in physical space, in a hierarchy, or in amount or value.

Is “downward” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.