step up

1 of 2

verb

stepped up; stepping up; steps up

transitive verb

1

: to increase, augment, or advance especially by one or more steps

The team really stepped up their performance.

The enemy stepped up their attacks.

He also plans to step up efforts to headhunt for the best and brightest …

—Jerry Garrett

Factory production was stepped up in an effort to meet helicopter shortfalls.

—Shelby L. Stanton

2

: to increase (a voltage) by means of a transformer

… the use of transformers to step up the voltage to very high levels …

—Thomas P. Hughes

intransitive verb

1

a

: to make the effort required to provide information, make a claim, volunteer, etc.

She stepped up to claim responsibility.

see also step up to the plate

b

: to succeed in meeting a challenge (as by increased effort or improved performance)

They just didn't have the guys to step up and make the big plays with the game on the line.

—Peter King

2

: to undergo an increase

Business is stepping up.

3

: to receive a promotion

She stepped up to the position of general manager.

step-up

2 of 2

noun

ˈstep-ˌəp 

variants or step up

plural step-ups or step ups

: an increase or advance (as in size or amount) and especially one that is gradual or incremental

Lower inflation will minimize cost-of-living step-ups for Social Security recipients …

—Arthur M. Louis

This model will give them the quality step-up they want at a decent price …

—Len Feldman

"… We expect a gradual step up in sales each quarter as 2021 progresses, followed by an extended period of growth starting in 2022."

—Nick Stanage

Synonyms

Verb

• accentuate
• amp (up)
• amplify
• beef (up)
• boost
• consolidate
• deepen
• enhance
• heighten
• intensify
• magnify
• redouble
• strengthen

Noun

• accretion
• accrual
• addendum
• addition
• augmentation
• boost
• expansion
• gain
• increase
• increment
• more
• plus
• proliferation
• raise
• rise
• supplement
• uptick

Examples of step up in a Sentence

Verb

candidates stepping up their campaigns as election day draws near

stepped up the pace to catch up with the others

Noun

there's been a step-up in productivity since regular breaks were offered

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Social networks are stepping up their efforts to weed out inauthentic activity, including scams and misinformation, across their services. —Salvador Rodriguez, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024

Mercedes-Benz Group AG plans to step up cost reductions after fierce competition and weaker demand in China hit the luxury-car maker’s profits. —Alena Botros, Fortune Europe, 25 Oct. 2024

Noun

If there is a step-up transaction, an appraisal is needed, Lee said. —Marie Sapirie, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

For example, step-ups mimic climbing stairs, while rows (which target your back muscles) mimic pulling open heavy doors or lifting heavy objects. —Jakob Roze, Health, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1902, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Noun

1879, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

step up

verb

1

: to increase the voltage of (a current) using a transformer

2

: to increase or advance

step up production

3

a

: to come forward

stepped up to accept responsibility

b

: to succeed in meeting a challenge (as by greater effort or better performance)

step-up

ˈstep-ˌəp

adjective