Up against something
preposition
In competition or conflict with someone or something.
We are up against a really strong team in the next game.
Often appears as...
- up against competition
- up against challenges
preposition
Having to deal with a very difficult situation or problem.
Students are up against a lot of pressure during exams.
Often appears as...
- up against problems
- up against hurdles
preposition
Close or in contact with a surface, especially the front surface.
She put the poster up against the wall.
Often appears as...
- up against the wall
- up against the door
preposition
In competition or conflict with someone or something.
We are up against a really strong team in the next game.
Often appears as...
- up against competition
- up against challenges
preposition
Having to deal with a very difficult situation or problem.
Students are up against a lot of pressure during exams.
Often appears as...
- up against problems
- up against hurdles
preposition
Close or in contact with a surface, especially the front surface.
She put the poster up against the wall.
Often appears as...
- up against the wall
- up against the door
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Sporting Context
Often used in sports to describe the challenge posed by an opponent.
Our team is up against the champions next week.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotionally Charged
Can imply a sense of urgency or a tough challenge ahead.
We're up against a tight deadline at work.
Pro Tip 3/3Potential Defeat
Suggests the possibility of not succeeding due to a formidable obstacle.
They are up against a much larger corporation in the lawsuit.
Pro Tip 1/3Sporting Context
Often used in sports to describe the challenge posed by an opponent.
Our team is up against the champions next week.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotionally Charged
Can imply a sense of urgency or a tough challenge ahead.
We're up against a tight deadline at work.
Pro Tip 3/3Potential Defeat
Suggests the possibility of not succeeding due to a formidable obstacle.
They are up against a much larger corporation in the lawsuit.
Pro Tip 1/3Sporting Context
Often used in sports to describe the challenge posed by an opponent.
Our team is up against the champions next week.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotionally Charged
Can imply a sense of urgency or a tough challenge ahead.
We're up against a tight deadline at work.
Pro Tip 3/3Potential Defeat
Suggests the possibility of not succeeding due to a formidable obstacle.
They are up against a much larger corporation in the lawsuit.
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