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

It has also bet on smartglasses, but convincing consumers to buy them has been an uphill battle.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

Talks face an uphill battle in resolving the vast differences in the warring sides' positions.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

The event has grown in popularity since that pub talk challenge in 1963, with people from around the world taking part and crowds flocking to witness the uphill spectacle.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

But executive recruiters say Mason’s move to jump ship and get a simultaneous promotion to CEO—known as a “double switch”—might prove an uphill battle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

The jackalope bounded across the emerald fields, and though he was going uphill for steep climbs, he didn’t seem bothered one bit.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova

Related Words

• arduous
• exhausting
• grueling
• punishing
• strenuous