steeply

At dramatic incline

Steeply describes something rising, falling, or sloping at a sharp angle.

A path climbs steeply up a hillside.

Prices rise or fall steeply when they change dramatically in a short time: Housing costs have increased steeply over the past decade.

The word emphasizes abruptness—a steeply pitched roof, a steeply declining population.

descent

plunge

Sudden steep descent

dropFall or release
fallDescend under gravity
diveHeadfirst water entry

decline · downhill · slope · dip · pitch · tumble · downgrade · declivity · downward · sink

incline

gradient

Rate of change across space

slopeAngled terrain or steepness
climbAscend using effort
ascentUpward movement

grade · ramp · pitched · angled · tilted · banked · slanted · acclivity · elevation · uphill

increase

soar

Ascend to heights

surgeSudden powerful increase
skyrocketRise sharply and suddenly
escalateIncrease in severity

spike · climb · rise · jump · shoot up · balloon · swell · appreciate · boom · upsurge

Opposites

gradient/incline

steeplygently

In a mild manner

gradually · slowly · incrementally · slightly · softly

Phrases

steep hillAbrupt upward slope
steep learning curveDifficult initial skill acquisition
steep slopeAbrupt rise in terrain
steep climbSharply angled upward path
steep cliffsSharp vertical rock formations
steep decline

Family

steep, steeped, steeping, steeps, steepness, steeper, steepest, steepen, oversteeping

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G