Downward | Mean of downward in English Dictionary

/ˈdaʊnwɚd/

• from a higher place or level to a lower place or level
1. The mountain streams flow downward to the lake.
2. Heating costs rise as the temperature heads downward. [=as the weather becomes colder]
• toward the ground, floor, etc.
1. The hawk flew downward.
2. The arrow pointed downward.
3. Mud covered his pants from the knees downward.
• toward people with less power, money, etc.
1. Everyone in the company, from the president downward, has been involved in these decisions. [=the president and all the employees with less authority, power, etc., have been involved]

• to a smaller amount
1. We received an estimate, but the number has since been revised downward.
• moving or going from a higher place or level to a lower place or level
1. a downward slope
2. Sales continued their downward trend.
3. Her life was in a downward spiral [=a process of constantly getting worse] as she battled depression and addiction.
• moving or going toward the ground, floor, etc.
1. the hawk's downward flight
• changing to a smaller amount or lower number
1. the downward revision of an estimate