up-and-down

[ uhp-uhn-doun ]

adjective

1. moving alternately up and down:

   the up-and-down swing of levers; an up-and-down tune.

2. having an uneven surface:

   up-and-down countryside.

3. changeable:

   up-and-down luck.

4. perpendicular or nearly so:

   a straight up-and-down hillside.

up-and-down

adjective

1. moving, executed, or formed alternately upwards and downwards
2. very steep; vertical

adverb

1. backwards and forwards (along)

Other Words From

• up-and-downness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of up-and-down¹

First recorded in 1610–20

Example Sentences

That score would keep the Trojans ahead, even amid an up-and-down second half that saw a field goal blocked and a fumble lost by Maiava.

From Los Angeles Times

Stick played in three preseason games with up-and-down results, which prompted the team to add Heinicke to the roster after training camp.

From Los Angeles Times

After a run of four pars, he dropped a shot at the par-three seventh after failing to get up-and-down from left of the green.

From BBC

This week figured to be a defining moment in the Dodgers’ up-and-down season.

From Los Angeles Times

Swifties for Harris also shared on their social media account a link to merch that will go to "organizations working to register voters, help them have their voices heard and elect Democratic leaders up-and-down the ballot who will protect our democracy and rights!"

From Salon