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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

uphill

As he tinkered, he told David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti about his experiments, and they were hiking in the Swiss Alps when they decided to take on a more grueling uphill challenge: starting a company.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2026

The uphill climb continues for the Chargers, who play at Seattle on Sunday, with the defending Super Bowl champions itching to respond to an upset loss at Washington in Week 3.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

That could prove to be an uphill battle.

From Barron's ● Sep. 12, 2026

They had even discussed among themselves about escaping uphill if another flood struck.

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

It’s a long way, mostly uphill, and more daylight’s seeping out of the woods every minute.

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson

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Related Words

• arduous
• exhausting
• grueling
• punishing
• strenuous

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