Word
uphill
Phoneticsup·hill, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈəpˈhɪɫ/
UK/ʌphˈɪl/
Definitions
01going up a slope
B1 · Intermediate
adj. sloping or leading upwards.
adj. sloping or leading to higher ground; describing a path or direction that ascends.
“The uphill climb was exhausting, but the view from the top was worth it.”
“The cyclists struggled against the steep uphill gradient during the final stage of the mountain race.”
Antonyms
02difficult
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. needing a large amount of effort over a long time.
adj. requiring great effort or endurance; typically used in the phrase 'an uphill battle' or 'an uphill task'.
“Starting a new business without any savings is an uphill struggle.”
“Convincing the board to approve the radical restructuring plan proved to be an uphill battle for the new CEO.”
Antonyms
03towards higher ground
B1 · Intermediate
adv. towards the top of a hill or slope.
adv. in an ascending direction; towards a higher point on a slope.
“We had to walk uphill for two miles to reach the cabin.”
“Water does not naturally flow uphill without the assistance of a mechanical pump or significant pressure.”
Antonyms
04an upward slope
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary
n. a piece of ground that slopes upwards.
n. an upward incline or a stretch of rising ground.
“The runner struggled as he hit the long uphill near the end of the race.”
“The path was a series of steep uphills and sudden drops that tested the hikers' stamina.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “uphill” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Jolly faces an uphill battle in November, however.” “Williams had her serve broken in the first game of the match and faced an uphill battle the rest of the way.” Etymology
From up + hill.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
02. uphill battle
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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