To be upfront means to be honest and direct from the very beginning, without hiding anything or waiting to reveal important information later. When you're upfront with someone, you tell them the truth right away, even if it's uncomfortable.

If your friend asks if you can come to their party and you're upfront, you tell them immediately whether you can make it, rather than saying “maybe” when you already know you can't go. When a coach is upfront about who made the team, she tells everyone directly instead of making them guess or wonder. Being upfront means no secrets, no surprises, and no beating around the bush.

The word also describes payment or costs that happen at the start. An upfront fee is money you pay before receiving a service, like paying for summer camp in March rather than in August. A business might need upfront capital, meaning money before it can begin operations.

People usually appreciate when others are upfront with them because it shows respect and saves time. You might not always like what someone tells you upfront, but at least you know where you stand. The opposite would be someone who hides the truth, reveals it slowly, or springs surprises on you later, when it's too late to do anything about it.