An idiom meaning having little prospect of advancement or success; used to describe someone whose status or prospects do not improve.
彼は真面目に働いているが、どうしても出世せず、うだつの上がらないままだ。
He works diligently but just can't get promoted — he remains someone with little prospect.
うだつの上がらない商人町という描写がその小説には出てくる。
The novel depicts a merchant town where people have little hope of advancement.
自分の将来が不安で、うだつの上がらない日々を嘆いている。
Worried about his future, he laments his days with no prospects for advancement.