uphill

[uhp-hil, uhp-hil]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of uphill¹

First recorded in 1540–50; up- + hill

Example Sentences

"Getting a subduction zone started is like trying to push a train uphill -- it takes a huge effort," said Brandon Shuck, a geologist at Louisiana State University and lead author of the study.

Read more on Science Daily

While the immediate prospects are not good with the Owls facing an uphill task to avoid relegation to League One, fans are more optimistic for the longer term again.

Read more on BBC

Atlas still faces an uphill battle against Chrome, which has 3.45 billion global users.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Whoever emerges victorious Sunday faces an uphill task, inheriting an economy in recession, according to the World Bank.

Read more on Barron's

Most agreed with him that it was a racing incident, the sort of thing that can happen at this first corner, with its wide, uphill entry which inevitably leads to a concertina effect mid-turn.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• arduous 
• exhausting 
• grueling 
• punishing 
• strenuous