top-down
adj1
Of or relating to a hierarchical system that progresses from a single, large basic unit to multiple, smaller subunits.
2
Produced, controlled, or directed by those at the top of the hierarchy (the upper echelons).
- Overall the signage at NIE has the appearance being a top-down artefact driven by institutional policy with English set as the default language.2019, Li Huang, James Lambert, “Another Arrow for the Quiver: A New Methodology for Multilingual Researchers”, in Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, →DOI, page 6:
3
Video games Presenting the player with an aerial view.
- a top-down shooter
4
Automotive, Transport, Vehicles Of a drop top, with the convertible top down.
- a top-down ride
- Antonyms
- bottom-up
- Related terms
- top brass, top dogs, open-top, open-topped, bird's-eye view