Origin of upward mobility

First recorded in 1945–50

OTHER WORDS FROM upward mobility

upwardly mobile, adjective

Words nearby upward mobility

Definition for upward mobility (2 of 2)

vertical mobility

noun Sociology.

movement from one social level to a higher one (upward mobility) or a lower one (downward mobility), as by changing jobs or marrying.
cultural diffusion from one social level to another, as the adoption by one economic class of the fashions current or formerly current in a higher class.

British Dictionary definitions for upward mobility (1 of 2)

upward mobility

noun

sociol the movement of an individual, social group, or class to a position of increased status or power Compare downward mobility See also horizontal mobility, vertical mobility

British Dictionary definitions for upward mobility (2 of 2)

vertical mobility

noun

sociol the movement of individuals or groups to positions in society that involve a change in class, status, and power Compare horizontal mobility See also upward mobility, downward mobility

Cultural definitions for upward mobility

upward mobility

Rising from a lower to a higher social class or status. (See also social mobility.)