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

The dismissal of the criminal indictment is undoubtedly a huge win for Abrego Garcia, but he faces an uphill legal battle as the federal government continues to pursue an active removal order against him.

From Slate • May 28, 2026

It has worked to pivot to battery EVs, but it faces an uphill battle to find its place in an industry characterized by price wars.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

If an agreement isn’t struck, the crypto bill becoming law this year becomes more of an uphill climb.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

The former Liverpool man appeared to be facing an uphill battle to make the squad, with Tuchel preferring Chelsea's Reece James, Newcastle's Tino Livramento and Arsenal's Ben White in the position.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

Fred was practically running, as we hiked uphill to get to the top.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

Related Words

• arduous
• exhausting
• grueling
• punishing
• strenuous