measure up

verb

measured up; measuring up; measures up

intransitive verb

1
: to have necessary or fitting qualifications
often used with to
2
: to be the equal (as in ability)
used with to

Examples of measure up in a Sentence

he always worried about measuring up to his older brother
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Neither candidate measured up to his idea of presidential timbre. Jim Riccioli, Journal Sentinel, 25 Oct. 2024 How is your company measuring up? Unlimited vacation. Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 But the results didn’t measure up under lab conditions simulating the higher speeds and masses of professional football hits. Alex Prewitt, WIRED, 17 Oct. 2024 This allows anyone measuring up to 6.2 ft (1.89 m) in height to comfortably stand upright to get into bed and/or get dressed. Adam Williams, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for measure up 

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of measure up was in 1854

Dictionary Entries Near measure up

Cite this Entry

“Measure up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/measure%20up. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

measure up

verb
1
: to have necessary or fitting qualifications
2
: to be the equal (as in ability)
used with to

More from Merriam-Webster on measure up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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