step up

phrasal-verb
UK: /ˌstep ˈʌp/
US: /ˌstep ˈʌp/

  1. To increase effort or activity; to work harder.

    1. I need to step up my game if I want to win. [ ] [ ]
    2. The team needs to step up their performance if they want to make the playoffs this year. [ ] [ ]

  2. To take on a responsibility or role, especially when someone else is unable or unwilling to do so.

    1. Can you step up and help me? [ ] [ ]
    2. When the manager quit, Sarah had to step up and lead the team during the transition. [ ] [ ]

  3. To improve or advance in status or level.

    1. He needs to step up his skills. [ ] [ ]
    2. The company is stepping up its security measures after the recent cyberattacks. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

improve elevate advance volunteer increase take on boost
step up noun

  1. An increase or improvement in something.

    1. That was a step up. [ ] [ ]
    2. Moving to a larger apartment was a significant step up in terms of living space and comfort. [ ] [ ]
step up adjective

  1. Describing something that is improved or of a higher level than before.

    1. This is a step up. [ ] [ ]
    2. This new model of the phone is a step up from the previous version; it's faster and has a better camera. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "step up" in English means: To increase effort or activity; to work harder., To take on a responsibility or role, especially when someone else is unable or unwilling to do so., To improve or advance in status or level..

The phonetic transcription of "step up" is /ˌstep ˈʌp/ in British English and /ˌstep ˈʌp/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "step up": improve, elevate, advance, volunteer, increase, take on, boost.

Example usage of "step up": "I need to step up my game if I want to win.". More examples on the page.