uptick

/ˈʌp.tɪk/
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An upward movement in numbers, activity, or sentiment, with a precise stock-market sense for a trade or quote above the previous price.

Examples

  • The city recorded an uptick in late-night noise complaints.
  • Several upticks followed the opening sale as buyers returned.
  • A small uptick in confidence changed the mood of the meeting.
  • Traders watched each uptick and downtick during the volatile session.
  • The company reported an uptick in sales last quarter.

Similar words

rise
up move
boost
higher trade
gain
increase
price rise
growth
improvement
upturn

Meanings

Rise in amount or activity

noun
statistics
neutral
An increase or improvement that shows up in numbers, activity, mood, interest, or other measurable change.

Examples

  • The company reported an uptick in sales last quarter.
  • Hospitals noticed an uptick in flu cases after the holiday.
  • The campaign brought a clear uptick in website traffic.
  • A small uptick in confidence changed the mood of the meeting.
  • The city recorded an uptick in late-night noise complaints.
  • Analysts expected an uptick in hiring once rates fell.

Similar words

Higher-priced market tick

noun
finance
technical
A stock-market quote or trade at a price higher than the previous one for the same security.

Examples

  • The broker waited for an uptick before entering the short-sale order.
  • The next quote was an uptick, one cent above the previous price.
  • Several upticks followed the opening sale as buyers returned.
  • The rule allowed the short sale only after an uptick.
  • Traders watched each uptick and downtick during the volatile session.
  • An uptick in the bid did not mean the whole market had recovered.

Similar words

Etymology

Formed from up and tick, first recorded in mid-20th-century financial and economic use, probably from the ticks and marks used to record price movements.

FAQ

What does uptick mean?

uptick means an increase or improvement, often one seen in numbers, activity, or a trend.

Is uptick always a small increase?

uptick often suggests a modest or incremental rise, but it can also be used with words like sharp or big when the rise is notable.

What preposition follows uptick?

The usual pattern is uptick in, as in an uptick in sales or an uptick in complaints.

What does uptick mean in finance?

In finance, an uptick is a trade or quote at a higher price than the previous one for the same security.

What is the uptick rule?

The uptick rule is a short-selling restriction tied to selling only when the market price has moved upward under the relevant rule.

Is uptick a verb?

uptick is normally a noun. Verbal uses such as sales upticked occur informally, but sales rose is usually cleaner.

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