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

"You can definitely see that happening but it's a long, uphill struggle," adds Sweetman.

From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026

You have an uphill battle ahead of you.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 5, 2026

He fears that Sherrod Brown faces an uphill battle.

From Slate ● Nov. 4, 2026

Traditionally used to move water uphill, this simple device relies on a rotating spiral to transport material.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 1, 2026

He plunged off in the direction of the call, and found himself going steeply uphill.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

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Related Words

• arduous
• exhausting
• grueling
• punishing
• strenuous

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