Upmarket

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Pertaining to goods or services that cater to wealthier consumers by emphasizing higher quality and luxury aspects within the market segment
2. Characterizing a category of products designed for discerning customers who prioritize premium features and exclusivity over mainstream options
3. Relating to products or services that appeal to affluent clientele by focusing on superior craftsmanship and luxury branding within the commercial landscape

Etymology: "Upmarket" is a plain compound of "up" and "market," and the sense it carries today comes from the way people have long talked about goods and their buyers in terms of rank. Like "downmarket," it borrows the idea of a market as a ladder, where higher-priced, better-made goods sit above cheaper ones. The adjective applies that picture to a product or a customer base, so an upmarket hotel or car is one aimed at people who will pay for quality and exclusivity rather than the mass-market average.

Synonyms: luxury, high-end, premium, exclusive

Antonyms: downmarket, low-end, budget