1. drive N.= ①a big effort to achieve something, especially by a company or government
e.g. The company is launching a major recruitment drive.
drive for: the region’s drive for independence
a drive to do something: The company has embarked on a drive to improve its image.
②a feeling that makes you act in a particular way
instinctual desires and drives
2. uphill=difficult to do or to achieve
e.g. uphill battle/struggle/task etc: The Opposition face an uphill struggle to win back voters.
e.g. A postgraduate immediately has an uphill task explaining an additional year, or three years, of study.
3. cynical= someone who is cynical expects things not to be successful or useful
e.g. cynical about: I know that some of you are very cynical about the proposals.
someone who is cynical believes that people care only about themselves and are not sincere or honest