upturn
B2Formal, Business, Academic
Definition
Meaning
An improvement or upward movement, especially after a period of decline.
A general increase, recovery, or positive change in a situation, trend, or condition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Most commonly used as a noun to describe a positive change in economic, business, or social trends. It implies a reversal of a previous negative trend.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more formal and economic/business-oriented in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties, slightly higher in business/financial contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[experience/see/witness] an upturn [in something]an upturn [in sales/trade/fortunes/mood]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the upturn”
- “a welcome upturn in fortunes”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company reported an upturn in quarterly profits.
Academic
The study noted an upturn in voter engagement following the reforms.
Everyday
We've finally seen an upturn in the weather this week.
Technical
Analysts predict an upturn in the commodity cycle.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The economy is beginning to upturn.
- Their fortunes upturned after the investment.
American English
- Market indicators suggest sales will upturn next quarter.
- The team's performance upturned in the second half.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The weather took an upturn today.
- There was an upturn in his mood.
- After the rain stopped, there was an upturn in the picnic atmosphere.
- The shop has seen an upturn in customers.
- Economists are hopeful for an upturn in the housing market.
- The recent policy changes led to a sharp upturn in public confidence.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'U-turn' going upwards: an UP-TURN.
Conceptual Metaphor
ECONOMY/TREND IS A JOURNEY (taking an upward turn).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as просто 'рост' (рост is a general 'growth'). Upturn specifically implies recovery from a low point.
- Do not confuse with 'upswing', which is more informal.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'upturn' for a simple increase without a preceding decline.
- Confusing 'upturn' (noun) with 'turn up' (phrasal verb).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST context for the word 'upturn'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common in economic/business contexts, it can be used for any situation showing improvement after a bad period (e.g., mood, health, weather).
'Upturn' focuses on the upward movement itself, often measurable (e.g., in data). 'Recovery' emphasises the process of returning to a normal or healthy state.
Yes, but it is rare and considered formal or literary (e.g., 'Their prospects upturned'). The noun form is far more common.
No. 'A turn-up' (or 'turn-up') is a British informal noun meaning an unexpected event or a surprise (e.g., "What a turn-up for the books!").