# uphill

/ˈəpˈhɪɫ/ (US) · /ʌphˈɪl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/uphill
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. going up a slope

adjective · CEFR B1

sloping or leading upwards.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. difficult

adjective · CEFR B2

needing a large amount of effort over a long time.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. towards higher ground

adverb · CEFR B1

towards the top of a hill or slope.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. an upward slope

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a piece of ground that slopes upwards.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Winning the race will be an uphill battle for the new team.
- The hikers struggled to maintain their pace on the steep uphill trail as the sun began to set.
- Convincing the board to approve such a radical shift in company policy proved to be an uphill struggle, requiring months of data and intense negotiation.

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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.