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upturn

A1
verbnoun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ˈʌptɜːn/

US

  • /ˈəpˌtɜrn/
  • /əpˈtɜrn/

Description

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.

Examples

  1. 1

    Economy

    The economy showed signs of an upturn in the second half of the year.

  2. 2

    Hotel bookings

    The hotel is expecting an upturn in bookings over the summer.

  3. 3

    Restaurant sales

    After a difficult winter, the restaurant has seen a small upturn in sales.

  4. 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