ascents

Ascent is the act of rising upward from a lower to a higher position. It can refer to physical movement, such as climbing a hill, a staircase, or a rock face, and it can also denote increases in altitude, level, or status. The term is used across disciplines, with meanings shaped by context.

In mountaineering and rock climbing, an ascent is the undertaking of reaching a summit or following a particular climbing route. The term also describes the route itself and the climb’s outcome. A common distinction is between the ascent of a route and the ascent to the summit, with “first ascent” marking the initial successful climb of a peak or route. Notable ascents, often recorded with dates and climbers, contribute to mountaineering history and guide safety and planning considerations; the first ascent of Everest in 1953 is among the most cited milestones.

In aviation and spaceflight, ascent refers to the climb after liftoff, from takeoff to the point where cruise altitude is achieved. The ascent is characterized by climb rate, airspeed, engine performance, and weather conditions, and it affects fuel efficiency, payload, and safety during early flight phases.

In general usage, ascents can describe the act of climbing objects or people and, in architecture or landscape design, the term may reference stairways or ramps that enable upward movement. In mathematics, ascent appears in some contexts to describe increasing processes, though “ascending” is more common and the term is less standardized compared to climbing or aviation usage.