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upswing

/ˈʌpswɪŋ/
IPA guide

Other forms: upswings

An upswing is a period of improvement or growth, like the upswing in a town's population that results in an upswing in its economy.

An upswing is also a literal upward swing of the arms, the way you move a jump rope or golf club. The golf meaning dates from 1922. The first figurative use of upswing in 1934, during the Great Depression, described economic improvements that were on the horizon. If you've ever had a period of bad luck, you know how it feels when life seems to finally be on the upswing, becoming a little bit better every day.

Definitions of upswing
  1. noun
    a physical movement from a lower to a higher level, often in reference to golf
  2. noun
    a sudden or abrupt strong increase
    synonyms: surge, upsurge
    see moresee less
    type of:
    increase, step-up
    the act of increasing something
  3. noun
    a period of improvement in economic conditions
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