adjective

vertical

/ˈvɜːrtɪkəl/ · say it: VER·ti·kuhl

a market focused on one specific industry

In Business & Marketing

In more detail

1. (adjective) pointing straight up and down; perpendicular to the ground or a horizontal surface

2. (adjective) relating to a direction from top to bottom

Examples

1. The vertical lines on the wall are perfectly straight up and down.
2. She adjusted the vertical position of the screen so she could see it better.

How to use vertical

Vertical describes something aligned along the up-down direction, perpendicular to the horizon or ground. It is used in both literal physical contexts (architecture, geometry, direction) and figurative ones (organizational structure, market integration). The term is precise and technical but also common in everyday speech.

Common phrases

vertical axis
vertical line
vertical surface
vertical integration
vertical climb
stand vertical

Synonyms

perpendicular · upright · plumb · straight up · erect

Opposites

horizontal · level · flat

Word family

vertically (adverb) · verticality (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse vertical with horizontal; remember that vertical goes up and down, while horizontal goes left and right.

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