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.

“Qatar accounts for a third of global production of helium, an upstream input of the AI supply chain that is also almost entirely shipped through Gulf terminals,” Allianz Research says.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

"That's critical for identifying the upstream regulators that drive these disease states."

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

When Chinook salmon swim upstream from the ocean to spawn in rivers and creeks, they need cold water for their eggs to survive.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

However, James Wallace from River Action said the safety levels depends on factors including how polluted the River Pang has been, which feeds in further upstream.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Hazel followed him along the verge, keeping close beside the rail on the upstream side.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

upstream

Example Sentences

Related Words