1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To encounter a significant obstacle, opposition, or difficulty that is hard to overcome
"The reform project ran up against fierce resistance from senior management."
inseparable
run up against
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To encounter an obstacle, problem, or opposition that prevents you from progressing
In plain English
To suddenly find a big problem or person blocking what you're trying to do
What does "run up against" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To run and collide with something — fairly transparent as a metaphor for hitting an obstacle
Actually means
To suddenly find a big problem or person blocking what you're trying to do
Usage tip
Common in business, political, and everyday contexts. The obstacle can be a person, organisation, rule, or abstract problem. Often implies the obstacle is difficult or impossible to overcome.
Words that pair with "run up against"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
opposition resistance problem obstacle difficulty wall
How to conjugate "run up against"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
run up against
I/you/we/they
3rd person
runs up against
he/she/it
Past simple
ran up against
yesterday
Past participle
run up against
have + pp
-ing form
running up against
continuous
Hear "run up against" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "run up against" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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