English Reference
Adjective

upland

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈəpɫənd/ UK /ˈʌplənd/ up·land UK spelling uplands

adj.describing land that is high up, such as hills or mountains. It is often used to talk about farming or nature in these high areas.

adj.relating to or situated in an area of high or hilly land. Typically used attributively to modify nouns related to geography, ecology, or agriculture.


SIMPLE

The sheep graze on the upland pastures during the summer.

CONTEXTUAL

Conservationists are working to protect upland habitats from the effects of overgrazing and soil erosion.

COMPLEX

The region is characterized by rugged upland terrain that transitions into fertile valleys, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports a wide variety of rare alpine flora.

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often used in contrast with 'lowland'.

Upland areas could typically see 30-40mm by the end of next week, with eastern Britain receiving about half of that.

BBC News· 22 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated