What does uphill mean?
Uphill describes movement toward higher ground, either literally or figuratively. As an adjective, it can refer to a slope, road, or journey that rises, as in “an uphill walk.” As an adverb, it indicates the direction of travel: “The car struggled uphill.” In figurative contexts, uphill means difficult and demanding sustained effort, especially when contrasted with the idea of progress that is easier to achieve. Phrases such as “an uphill battle” and “uphill work” emphasize obstacles, persistence, and the possibility of weariness. The word is natural in everyday speech, journalism, and formal writing in both British and American English. Although “uphill” sounds straightforward, its figurative use captures not just difficulty but the effort required to continue despite resistance, making it a useful word for describing challenges that demand determination.
Sloping or rising toward higher ground; also, difficult and requiring sustained effort.
"We took the uphill route because it was quieter."
The figurative sense is especially common in expressions such as “uphill battle” and “uphill task.”
Toward higher ground or, figuratively, with great difficulty.
"The hikers continued uphill despite the fading light."
An upward slope or an upward journey; figuratively, a difficult effort or struggle.
"The final uphill was steep but short."
The noun is less common than the adjective and adverb, but is standard in phrases such as “the uphill of the journey.”
The plural is rare but standard when referring to multiple upward slopes or journeys.
"The path is marked by several steep uphills."
Uphill can describe both a literal slope and a struggle that feels progressively harder as you continue.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uphill come from?
Uphill is a compound formed in English from “up” and “hill.” “Up” comes from Old English upp, meaning “on,” “upon,” or “higher,” while “hill” comes from Old English hyll. The compound has been used in English since the early modern period, initially for movement toward higher ground and later for figurative situations involving difficulty. Its vocabulary relatives “upward,” “upright,” and “upheaval” all share the element “up,” reflecting its broader Old English ancestry.
How uphill is actually used
The word is common in both British and American English. Its figurative use, especially in phrases such as “an uphill battle,” conveys persistent difficulty rather than merely physical exertion.
Easily confused with uphill
Uphill refers to movement toward higher ground, whereas downhill refers to movement toward lower ground.
Uphill describes a slope or an effortful process, while uphold means to support, maintain, or defend something.