noun
ascent; uphill slope
Refers to a physical upward slope, such as a road or path. Often contrasted with 下り坂 (downhill).
See also: 下り坂
この道はしばらく上り坂が続きます。
This road continues uphill for a while.
自転車で上り坂
It's tough to go up a hill on a bicycle.
noun
upturn; increase; upward trend
Metaphorical use for a gradual improvement or rising trend, often in economic or statistical contexts.
景気はようやく上り坂に差し掛かった。
The economy has finally started to pick up.
売り上げは上り坂にある。
Sales are on an upward trend.
Search-only kanji form; not a standard spelling.
Antonym meaning 'downhill' or 'decline'. 上り坂 is the opposite, indicating an upward slope or improvement.
Compound of 上り (のぼり, 'ascending') + 坂 (さか, 'slope'). The reading のぼりざか is a standard rendaku form.