up-front

US: (up′frunt′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ˈup-ˈfront, adj. Also, ˈupˈfront. 

1. Business, Informal Terms paid in advance or as beginning capital:
   an up-front investment of $1,000.
2. Informal Terms honest;
   straightforward:
   [usually: be + ~] I'll be upfront about my feelings.

adv. Also, ˈup ˈfront. 

3. Business in advance;
   initially:
   They asked for $1,000 up-front.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

up-front  (up′frunt′), [Informal.]
adj. Also, up′front′. 

1. Business, Informal Terms invested or paid in advance or as beginning capital:
   an up-front fee of five percent and an additional five percent when the job is done.
2. Informal Terms honest;
   candid;
   straightforward:
   He's very up-front about discussing his past.
3. Informal Terms conspicuous or prominent:
   The company has an up-front position in its industry.
4. Informal Terms located in the front or forward section:
   to request up-front seats on a plane.

adv. Also, up′ front′. 

5. Business, Informal Terms as an initial investment, beginning capital, or an advance payment:
   They'll need a half-million dollars up-front before opening the business.
6. Business, Informal Terms before other payments, deductions, or returning a profit:
   Estimated operating expenses will be deducted up-front.

• 1965–70