Upscale describes places, products, or services that are expensive, high-quality, and designed for people with plenty of money to spend. An upscale restaurant might have white tablecloths, complex dishes prepared by trained chefs, and prices that make your eyes widen. An upscale neighborhood features large, well-maintained houses and manicured lawns.

The word suggests elegance, sophistication, and careful attention to quality combined with a high price. A fancy plastic toy might cost a lot, but it's not upscale. A handcrafted wooden chess set made by a master craftsperson would be upscale because of its quality and artistry.

You might hear someone describe an upscale hotel, an upscale clothing store, or an upscale shopping district. These places cater to customers who want premium experiences and are willing to pay for them. The opposite would be budget or downscale, describing more affordable, no-frills options.

When a neighborhood becomes more upscale, it means the homes and businesses there have become fancier and more expensive over time.