Meanings
- not comparableOf or relating to a hierarchical system that progresses from multiple small subunits to a single, large basic unit.
The software is checked very carefully in a bottom-up fashion. First, each new line of code is checked, then sections of code or modules with special functions are verified.
1986 June 6, Richard Feynman, “Personal observations on the reliability of the Shuttle”, in Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident, Report to the President - not comparableOf or relating to a hierarchical system in which lower levels influence higher levels.
bottom-up management
1 more example
The papacy has for centuries brought with it a place on the world stage. Francis, who from the off gave the impression of being a man in a hurry, was determined to use that platform to push a bottom-up agenda for the world.
2025 April 21, Peter Stanford, “Pope Francis obituary”, in The Guardian
Synonyms & antonyms
adjectiveof an approach to a problem that begins with details and works up to the highest conceptual level
Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.
Translations
Chinese Mandarin 自下而上的
- 自下而上的 (zìxià'érshàng de)hierarchical system that progresses from multiple, small subunits to a single, large basic unit
Japanese 下意上達
- 下意上達 (kai jōtatsu)hierarchical system that progresses from multiple, small subunits to a single, large basic unit
Polish oddolny
- oddolnyhierarchical system that progresses from multiple, small subunits to a single, large basic unit
Cite this entry
bottom-up. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/bottom-up
“bottom-up.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/bottom-up. Accessed November 3, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “bottom-up,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/bottom-up.
Source: bottom-up on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.