Up against something Definition 1 of 3Pro 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.