incline
n. countablen. a slope or a surface that is not flat. You use this word to describe a hill or a ramp that goes up or down.
n. an inclined surface, slope, or gradient. Refers to a physical deviation from the horizontal plane.
The road has a steep incline that makes cycling difficult.
The architect designed a gentle incline at the entrance to ensure the building is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
The hikers struggled to maintain their pace as the narrow trail turned into a punishing incline near the mountain's summit.
From Middle English enclinen, from Old French encliner (modern incliner), from Latin inclīnō (“incline, tilt”), from in- + clīnō (compare -cline), from Proto-Indo-European *ḱley- (English lean).
Often modified by adjectives such as 'steep', 'gentle', or 'slight'.