downward

views updated May 23 2018

down·ward / ˈdounwərd/ • adv. (also down·wards) toward a lower place, point, or level: he was lying face downward. ∎  used to indicate that something applies to everyone in a certain hierarchy or set: new rules on sick leave affect employees of all grades, from managers downward.• adj. moving or leading toward a lower place or level: the downward curve of the stairs a downward trend in inflation.DERIVATIVES: down·ward·ly adv.