Meaning of the word downstream in English

What does downstream mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

downstream

US /ˌdaʊnˈstriːm/
UK /ˌdaʊnˈstriːm/

Adverb

1.

in the direction in which a stream or river flows

Example:
•
The boat drifted downstream with the current.
•
We walked downstream for about a mile.
2.

at a later stage in a process or series of events

Example:
•
Any problems identified now will be more expensive to fix downstream.
•
The impact of these changes will be felt downstream in the supply chain.

Adjective

1.

situated or moving in the direction in which a stream or river flows

Example:
•
The village is located on the downstream side of the dam.
•
They are building a new factory downstream from the city.
2.

relating to a later stage in a process or series of events, especially in a commercial or industrial process

Example:
•
The company is focusing on downstream activities like marketing and distribution.
•
Downstream processing of raw materials adds value to the product.