To compete directly with or face as an opponent, especially someone or something considered difficult to beat.
To compete or fight against someone who might be stronger or more powerful than you.
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
To enter into direct competition or conflict with someone or something, especially a formidable opponent.
"In the final, the young challenger will go up against the reigning world champion."
We're going up against the best team in the conference.
— Common phrasing in sports press conferences; widely cited in US sports journalism.
Common in sports journalism and political commentary. Implies a significant challenge or tough opponent. More common in American English but widely understood internationally.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "go up against" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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