upturn

Upturn is a term used to describe an upward movement or improvement after a period of decline or stagnation. It can refer to increases in value, level, or intensity across a range of contexts, such as prices, employment, production, or performance metrics. The word is most often used in economics and finance but appears in other fields to indicate rising conditions.

The word derives from up + turn, with early usage dating to the late 18th century. It is closely related to synonyms such as upswing and uptick, and it is sometimes used interchangeably with recovery or improvement, depending on the context.

In economics, an upturn denotes a phase in the business cycle characterized by rising indicators after a trough or contraction. It may be gradual or marked by faster growth and can precede a broader recovery. The presence and timing of an upturn are typically identified through data such as GDP growth, employment, retail sales, or industrial output. Because economic data are frequently revised, the exact turning points can be uncertain.

In finance and markets, an upturn may refer to rising asset prices, such as stocks, or improving market metrics, often reflecting more favorable investor sentiment or macro conditions. Analysts distinguish between short-lived upturns and longer-lasting upswings; the term is informal and context-dependent.

In other contexts, upturn can describe any upward trend or improvement, including health metrics or climate indicators, though such usage is less common.

See also: downturn, recovery, upswing, uptick, cycle.