upturn
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈʌptɜːn/
US
- /ˈəpˌtɜrn/
- /əpˈtɜrn/
Description
- Improvement
- Rise
- Recovery
- Upward Trend
- Growth
An upturn signals that things are getting better. It describes a positive change, usually after a period when things were weak, slow, or difficult. The word is often used for the economy, where an upturn means business is improving and more people may be finding work. But it is not limited to big public trends. You might notice an upturn in your grades after months of hard work, or a welcome upturn in the weather after a week of gray skies. It carries the sense of movement away from a low point and toward something better.
The word "upturn" describes a positive change or improvement, often after a period of decline or difficulty. It suggests that something has started to move upward again, either in a real, physical sense or in a more figurative one. You will most often hear it in contexts involving trends, conditions, or numbers that are starting to improve.
For example: "After months of declining sales, the company finally saw an upturn in profits." This means their financial situation has begun to recover. Similarly, you might read about "an upturn in the housing market," indicating that more homes are being sold and prices are stabilizing or rising.
However, "upturn" is not limited to economics. It can describe a positive shift in many kinds of situations or feelings: "There was a noticeable upturn in her mood after the good news," or "The doctor was pleased to see an upturn in the patient's condition." In each case, the idea is the same: things are beginning to improve.
The word can also have a literal, physical meaning. It may refer to a part of something that turns upward, such as the upturn of a collar, the end of a shoe, or the slight upturn of someone's nose. So whether you are describing better business results, a brighter mood, or a shape that curves upward, "upturn" keeps the same core idea: a movement in a better or higher direction.
Examples
- 1
Economy
The economy showed signs of an upturn in the second half of the year.
- 2
Hotel bookings
The hotel is expecting an upturn in bookings over the summer.
- 3
Restaurant sales
After a difficult winter, the restaurant has seen a small upturn in sales.
- 4
Housing market
Analysts warn that the recent upturn in the housing market may be temporary.
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- upturnnounverb
Forms
- upturnedpast tenseverbnoun
- upturnspluralnounverb
- upturning-ing formverbnoun