# up against sth

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/up-against-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to face a very difficult problem or a strong opponent.

For teachers: to be confronted with a significant obstacle, challenge, or opposition that requires considerable effort to overcome.

## Examples

- We are up against some very tough competition.
- The small business is up against a massive corporation with a much larger marketing budget.
- Environmental activists find themselves up against powerful industrial lobbies that possess significant political influence and financial resources.

## Pitfalls

- Not "We are up against to the deadline." but "We are up against the deadline." — the phrase 'up against' already functions as a prepositional unit; do not add 'to' before the object.

## Usage notes

- usually used in the passive-style 'be up against' or 'find oneself up against'.
- Teaching tip: highlight that 'sth' (something) usually refers to an abstract challenge like 'the clock' or 'the law', or a physical opponent.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.