Come up against Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈkəm/ /ˈəp/ /əˈɡeɪnst/, /əˈɡɛnst

KUHM-UP-uh-GAYNST

UK

kˈʌm/ /ˈʌp/ /ɐɡˈɛnst

kuhm-UP-uh-GENST

Definition

To suddenly face or have to deal with a problem or difficult situation, often unexpectedly.

Usage & Nuances

This is a phrasal verb mainly used for encountering difficulties or obstacles, not physical objects. Often used in work or life situations ('come up against a problem'). Neutral to slightly informal; do not use for meeting people.

• Spanish: enfrentarse a - encontrarse con (dificultad) - topar con
• Portuguese (BR): enfrentar - deparar-se com - topar com (desafio)
• Portuguese (PT): enfrentar - deparar-se com - topar com (desafio)
• Chinese (Simplified): 遇到（困难、阻力） - 面临
• Chinese (Traditional): 遇到（困難、阻力） - 面臨
• Hindi: का सामना करना - टकराना (समस्या से)
• Arabic: يواجه - يصطدم بـ
• Bengali: সম্মুখীন হওয়া - পড়া (সমস্যার মুখে)
• Russian: столкнуться (с трудностями) - столкнуться с проблемой
• Japanese: 直面する - 立ちはだかる (困難に)
• Vietnamese: gặp phải - đối mặt với (khó khăn, vấn đề)
• Korean: 직면하다 - 부딪치다 (문제에)
• Turkish: karşılaşmak (zorlukla) - yüz yüze gelmek (sorunla)
• Urdu: سامنا کرنا (مسئلے کا)
• Indonesian: menghadapi - menemui (masalah/halangan)

Example Sentences

We came up against a big challenge at work.

basic

If you come up against any issues, let me know.

basic

She came up against many obstacles during her studies.

basic

You’re bound to come up against some resistance if you change the plan.

natural

I never expected to come up against so many problems starting my own business.

natural

Teams often come up against tough competition in these tournaments.

natural