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

The Emirates has stepped up time and again for cricket events and matches, once being the home when Pakistan were nomads. —Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

Instead, freshman corner Leonard Moore stepped up and has played incredibly well. —Seth Emerson, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024

Noun

During the video, Crewe shows the following exercises: Romanian deadlifts, Bulgarian split squats and other variations, leg presses, hip thrusts, step-ups using a box, and glute kickbacks. —Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024

Keep an eye on two local fighters getting step-up fights in the co-main event and just below. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 7 Dec. 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