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

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

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 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

It also revealed that Pine Island Glacier once moved very differently, pulling rocks from its base and carrying them uphill when the ice sheet was much thicker.

From Science Daily • Mar. 18, 2026

“So that tells you the uphill battle that we had been fighting since Day One, when your executive is literally proud to tell you that he didn’t watch it.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Dad joked I was as slow as molasses running uphill.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Related Words

• arduous
• exhausting
• grueling
• punishing
• strenuous