bottom–up

adjective bot·tom–up \ˈbä-təm-ˈəp\

: progressing upward from the lowest levels : controlled or directed from the lower levels

Full Definition of BOTTOM-UP

: progressing upward from the lowest levels (as of a stratified organization or system) <bottom–up management>

See bottom–up defined for English-language learners

1976

Next Word in the Dictionary: bottom waterPrevious Word in the Dictionary: bottom toolAll Words Near: bottom-up

What made you want to look up bottom-up? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears