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

Synonyms

• approach
• approximate
• compare (with)
• stack up (against or with)

Examples of measure up in a Sentence

he always worried about measuring up to his older brother

Recent Examples on the Web

Humpback whales, which can weigh up to 40 tons and measure up to 60 feet, are found in every ocean on Earth, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 June 2024

Here's what the report found and how Wisconsin measures up. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 17 June 2024

Males can weigh up to 660 pounds and measure up to 10 feet in length from nose to the tip of the tail, Smithsonian reports. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 8 June 2024

The legislation aims to dramatically reduce the greenhouse emissions of large commercial and residential buildings over several years — eventually hitting an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 to 2050 — and slaps sizable fines on property owners that don’t measure up. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 31 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

measure up

verb

1

: to have necessary or fitting qualifications

2

: to be the equal (as in ability)

—used with to