upstream

[uhp-streem] / ˈʌpˈstrim /

ADJECTIVE

difficult

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ambitious arduous burdensome challenging crucial demanding laborious onerous painful problematic severe strenuous tough troublesome

WEAK

backbreaker bothersome difficile easier said than done effortful exacting formidable galling gargantuan hard-won heavy herculean immense intricate irritating labored no picnic not easy operose problem prohibitive rigid stiff titanic toilsome trying unyielding uphill wearisome

Antonyms

STRONGEST

easy effortless facile helpful nice trivial

WEAK

calm free friendly manageable plain simple sociable straightforward uncomplicated

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

New CEO Meg O’Neill has made an impressive start to her tenure by opting to reset the company into upstream and downstream divisions, she adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Oil prices that have risen $30 per barrel from prewar levels strengthened cash flow for upstream producers, including Diamondback Energy, even though shale companies resisted immediately increasing production.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

"But it is only really good news if it is not a complete mess upstream."

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Within industries, as a supply-chain crisis unfolds, fear and self-protection instincts kick in, with hoarding and company-level stockpiling resulting in confusing demand signals that make it hard for upstream producers to respond.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

There are high bluffs just upstream, but our site has a sandy shoreline along the river.

From "Blood on the River" by Elisa Carbone

upstream

Example Sentences

Related Words