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

Dona Elliott, 59, owns this combination country store and saloon, built in 1929 of clapboard and shingles, uphill from the river and hard by a narrow woodland road.

From Los Angeles Times

It has left the Republic bottom of Group F on one point and facing an uphill struggle to qualify for next year's finals.

From BBC

Fire officials, in a briefing Sunday, explained that the blaze had crossed Dinkey Creek and was driven rapidly uphill due to the steep topography and shifts in weather.

From Los Angeles Times

It burned through around a quarter of an acre of vegetation as it moved uphill, briefly threatening nearby homes.

From Los Angeles Times

A disappointing 38-8 defeat left an uphill task to qualify for the knockout stages, and a win on Saturday over the world's number two ranked side Canada was required.

From BBC

Related Words

• arduous 
• exhausting 
• grueling 
• punishing 
• strenuous