noun
Uncommon
ascent
uh-SEHNT
Ascent (noun) means the act of climbing or rising, or the route by which one climbs. Example: “The final ascent to the summit took three hours.”
noun
1
The act of climbing or rising, or the route by which one climbs.
"The final ascent to the summit took three hours."
"Her rapid ascent through the company surprised her colleagues."
How to use ascent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA climb or rise — up a mountain, or up through ranks, popularity, or power.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "assent," which means agreement — the two are pronounced identically.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
steep ascent
rapid ascent
ascent to power
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Word forms
- Plural
- ascents
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The final _____ to the summit took three hours.
Etymology
Formed to match "descent," on the model of the verb pair ascend/descend.
Related words
Rhymes for ascent
See all rhymes for ascent →Frequently asked questions
What does “ascent” mean?
The word “ascent” means the act of climbing or rising, or the route by which one climbs. In plain terms, a climb or rise — up a mountain, or up through ranks, popularity, or power.
How do you pronounce “ascent”?
“Ascent” is pronounced uh-SEHNT (/əˈsɛnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “ascent” in a sentence?
Here is “ascent” used in a sentence: “The final ascent to the summit took three hours.”
What part of speech is “ascent”?
“Ascent” is a noun.
Is “ascent” a common word?
“Ascent” is an uncommon word in modern English.
