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.