WordGarden.ioupstream
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌpstrˈiːm/
US
- /ˈəpˈstrim/
Meanings
Adjective
located toward the source of a river, current, or flow
occurring earlier in a process, chain, or sequence
in computing, closer to the source of data or maintained by an original source project
More meaningsFewer meanings
in business or industry, closer to raw inputs, extraction, or supplying stages than to final customers
Adverb
toward the source of a river, current, or flow
at an earlier stage in a process, chain, or sequence
Beyond the definition
Imagine a river flowing steadily toward the sea. To go upstream is to swim or travel against that flow. It takes more effort, but you are heading back toward where the water begins, toward the hills, springs, or mountains. The idea also appears in everyday English. We use "upstream" for things that go back to the source of a problem, cause, or process, or for earlier stages in a system or supply chain. Think about salmon swimming upstream to spawn. It is a strong image of moving against the flow and returning to the beginning.
The word "upstream" originally described movement against the current of a river or stream, toward its source. It often suggests effort and resistance, because going that way means pushing against the flow. Think of a small boat making its way upriver.
However, "upstream" is also used in many non-literal ways. In investigations, if you follow something upstream, you trace it back to where it started, such as the source of a leak, an error, or pollution. In business, engineering, and supply chains, "upstream" often refers to earlier stages, inputs, or sources. An upstream supplier, for example, is closer to the raw materials or the beginning of production.
In industry, this contrast is especially common. In oil and gas, for example, upstream refers to exploration and extraction, while downstream refers to refining and selling finished products. In computing and open-source work, an upstream project is the original source that other versions or users build from.
Finally, the term can describe movement against a wider trend. To be "swimming upstream" suggests working against popular opinion, pressure, or the usual way of doing things. Whether you picture a determined salmon, someone tracing a problem back to its cause, or the early part of a production chain, upstream points to the source, the beginning, or movement against the flow.
Examples
- 1
River location
The cabin is about two miles upstream from the old bridge.
- 2
Salmon migration
Every autumn, salmon fight their way upstream to lay their eggs.
- 3
Pollution source
The pollution was coming from a factory farther upstream.
- 4
Technical systems
Before blaming the website, check whether the problem starts in an upstream system.
- Domainan upstream system
a system that sends data or work to another system
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Business strategy
The company moved upstream by buying one of its main suppliers.
- Domainmove upstream
take control of an earlier stage in a business process
See also
Similar
- upriver
- against the current
Shades of meaning
- upcurrent
- toward the source
Contrast
- downstream
- with the current
Used with (collocations)
- swim upstream
- travel upstream
- upstream from
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- upstreamadjectiveadverb