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

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 2026

While winning that case would be uphill sledding, the report may have ultimately been a useful development for him.

From Slate • Apr. 25, 2026

He is fighting an uphill battle for his party—and fighting it alone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

The worst quality clothes end up at La Quebradilla, a huge open air market near the town of Alto Hospicio, around half an hour uphill from Iquique, and still within Zofri.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

So I’ll need to walk downhill and uphill again before I reach my next marker.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

Related Words

• arduous
• exhausting
• grueling
• punishing
• strenuous