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.

---

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

---

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

Drainages are natural low-lying areas of land that can gather hot air and smoke and then generate intense drafts that drive a fire uphill with dangerous speeds.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026

He is facing an uphill contest in the upcoming general election, scheduled for 27 October.

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026

"I think we have an uphill battle," said the 34-year-old, wearing a "Memphis" t-shirt.

From Barron's ● Aug. 8, 2026

Women already have an uphill battle trying to maintain a healthy body image.

From Salon ● Aug. 5, 2026

In small groups we followed Mrs. Baker onto a path that went mostly uphill while jutting up as many tree roots as it could to trip us.

From "The Wednesday Wars" by Gary D. Schmidt

Related Words

• arduous
• exhausting
• grueling
• punishing
• strenuous