up-and-down

American  

[uhp-uhn-doun] / ˈʌp ənˈdaʊn /

adjective

1. moving alternately up and down.

   the up-and-down swing of levers; an up-and-down tune.

2. having an uneven surface.

   up-and-down countryside.

3. changeable.

   up-and-down luck.

4. perpendicular or nearly so.

   a straight up-and-down hillside.

---

up-and-down British  

adjective

1. moving, executed, or formed alternately upwards and downwards

2. very steep; vertical

---

adverb

1. backwards and forwards (along)

Other Word Forms

• up-and-downness noun

Etymology

Origin of up-and-down

First recorded in 1610–20

Example Sentences

They are used to up-and-down incomes, unlike many of us who have grown accustomed to consistent ups.

From The Wall Street Journal

It has been an up-and-down season for Ayton, but Lakers coach JJ Redick said he is confident the 7-foot center can be more consistent moving forward.

From Los Angeles Times

But after five up-and-down months with him, his players say they’re cool with Cronin, who has shaken off what feels like an annual wave of national criticism.

From Los Angeles Times

Of Russell's 19-year-old team-mate Kimi Antonelli, who is going into his second season after an up-and-down debut in 2025, Wolff says: "I'm absolutely certain it will be a good year for him, but I don't think we should expect him to be like George all the time."

From BBC

McIlroy got up-and-down birdie from a bunker at 17 before he rolled in a 30-foot birdie putt from the fringe at the last.

From Barron's