uphill

American  

[uhp-hil, uhp-hil] / ˈʌpˈhɪl, ˈʌpˌhɪl /

adverb

1. up or as if up the slope of a hill or other incline; upward.

   The soldiers marched uphill. Water does not run uphill without assistance.

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adjective

1. going or tending upward on or as if on a hill.

   an uphill road.

2. at a high place or point.

   an uphill village.

3. laboriously fatiguing or difficult.

   an uphill struggle to become wealthy.

   Synonyms:

   grueling, taxing, strenuous, hard, arduous

noun

1. a rising terrain; ascent.

uphill British  

/ ˈʌpˈhɪl /

adjective

1. inclining, sloping, or leading upwards

2. requiring arduous and protracted effort

   an uphill task

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adverb

1. up an incline or slope; upwards

2. against difficulties

noun

1. a rising incline; ascent

Etymology

Origin of uphill

First recorded in 1540–50; up- + hill

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

uphill

Some observers see the states’ efforts as an uphill climb because the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026

Energy Secretary Chris Wright has said persuading Congress to allocate more funds to refill the SPR is an uphill battle.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026

Still, winning over city slickers accustomed to premium brands remains an uphill battle.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

On New Year’s Eve in 2024, supervisors who had allegedly been hostile with the former chef directed her to “lift and transport heavy food items across the street and uphill without assistance,” the documents say.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026

He plunged off in the direction of the call, and found himself going steeply uphill.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Related Words

• arduous
• exhausting
• grueling
• punishing
• strenuous