1. toward a lower place, point, or level: "he was lying face downward"
▪ used to indicate that something applies to everyone in a certain hierarchy or set:"new rules on sick leave affect employees of all grades, from managers downward"
adjective
1. moving or leading toward a lower place or level:"a downward trend in inflation"
Word OriginMiddle English: shortening of Old Englishadūnweard.