uphill battle

: upward on a hill or incline

: against difficulties

: rising ground : ascent

: situated on elevated ground

: going up : ascending

: being the higher one or part especially of a set

: battalion

: a combat between two persons

: a general encounter between armies, ships of war, or aircraft

: to engage in combat between individuals or armed forces : to engage in battle : fight

: to contend with full strength, vigor, skill, or resources : struggle

: to fight or struggle against

: to fortify with battlements