向上|こうじょうkoujou[0]heiban (flat)

1. noun, suru verb, intransitive verbelevation; rise; improvement; advancement; progress
   近代的きんだいてき方法ほうほうで産業さんぎょうは向上こうじょうした。↗

   Modern methods improved industry.

• SynonymかいぜんNeutralFixes what is bad rather than raising a level, as in 「待遇改善」. 「向上」 stresses raising one's level or ability.
• Synonym高まるたかまるNeutralMood, interest or expectations rising, as in 「関心が高まる」. 「向上」 is about ability or level.
• Synonym上達じょうたつNeutralSkill improving, as in 「英語が上達」. 「向上」 is broader.
• Synonym進歩しんぽNeutralProgress in technology or society, as in 「科学の進歩」. 「向上」 stresses raising a level.
• SynonymよくなるCasualColloquial and the plainest way to say something gets better. 「向上」 leans written/formal and stresses level.
• Related持ち直すもちなおすCasualColloquial: recovering or picking up from a bad state, as in 「景気が持ち直す」. 「向上」 stresses rising to a new level.
• Related立ち直るたちなおるCasualColloquial: getting back on one's feet after a setback. 「向上」 is about raising one's level.
• Related好転こうてんWrittenWritten/formal: a situation turning for the better, as in 「事態が好転」. 「向上」 stresses raising a level.
• Related上がるあがるNeutralNeutral: rising or improving, common in speech, as in 「成績が上がる」. 「向上」 leans written/formal.
• Related発展はってんNeutralGrowth and expansion of something, as in 「経済発展」. 「向上」 stresses raising a level.
• Related進展しんてんNeutralA matter moving forward, as in 「交渉が進展」. 「向上」 stresses raising a level.
• Related前進ぜんしんNeutralMoving forward, literally or as figurative progress. 「向上」 stresses raising a level.
• Related昇進しょうしんNeutralPromotion in rank, as in 「部長に昇進」. 「向上」 is about ability or quality improving.
• Related改良かいりょうNeutralImproving a product or breed, as in 「品種改良」. 「向上」 stresses raising a level.
• Related上向くうわむくNeutralTrends and conditions turning upward, as in 「景気が上向く」. 「向上」 stresses raising a level.
• Related出世しゅっせNeutralGetting ahead in society or one's career. 「向上」 is about ability or level improving.
• Related増進ぞうしんWrittenWritten/formal: building up health or appetite, as in 「食欲増進」. 「向上」 stresses raising a level.
• Related進みすすみCasualColloquial noun for progress or how far along something is. 「向上」 stresses raising a level.
• Related伸びるのびるNeutralResults or sales figures growing, as in 「売上が伸びる」. 「向上」 stresses quality or level.
• Related上昇じょうしょうWrittenWritten/formal: numbers or temperature rising, as in 「気温上昇」. 「向上」 stresses quality or level.
• Related発達はったつNeutralPhysical or technical development, also a typhoon strengthening. 「向上」 stresses raising a level.
• Related立て直るたてなおるCasualColloquial and rare: rallying or recovering. In everyday speech 「立ち直る」 is the usual word.
• Related上進じょうしんWrittenWritten/formal and rare: a rise in status or degree; not about personal striving or ambition.
• Antonym低下ていかWrittenWritten/formal antonym: levels falling or declining, the opposite of 「向上」 in rises and falls.
• Antonym退歩たいほWrittenWritten/formal antonym: regressing or going backward, the opposite of 「向上」 in advance and decline.

Use 「向上」 when ability, quality or level rises. Pick 「改善」 to fix faults, 「上達」 for skills, 「進歩」 for progress in society or technology, and 「上昇」 for numbers or temperature. In everyday speech 「上がる」 is the natural choice, and 「持ち直す」「立ち直る」 cover recovery from a bad patch. For careers use 「昇進」 or 「出世」, for products 「改良」, for a situation turning around 「好転」. The antonyms are 「低下」 and 「退歩」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 良よい方ほうへと向むかうこと。進歩しんぽ。上昇じょうしょう。