catchup: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “catchup” mean?
To reach the same level or standard as someone or something that is ahead.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To reach the same level or standard as someone or something that is ahead.
To do work or tasks that you have not done earlier; to meet and talk with someone to learn what they have been doing; to finally understand or become aware of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. Usage is very similar, though the noun 'catch-up' (e.g., a catch-up meeting) might be marginally more common in UK business/informal contexts.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. Can imply friendly social interaction or necessary remedial work.
Frequency
Equally common and natural in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “catchup” in a Sentence
[Subject] catch up with [Person/Topic][Subject] catch up on [Task/News][Subject] catch [Object] upVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catchup” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Let's meet for a coffee to catch up.
- I must catch up on the marking this weekend.
- He sprinted to catch up with the group.
American English
- We should get lunch and catch up.
- I need to catch up on my sleep.
- She took an extra class to catch up in math.
adjective
British English
- We had a lovely catch-up chat.
- The government announced a catch-up funding plan for schools.
American English
- It was just a quick catch-up call.
- The team is in catch-up mode after the delay.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for project updates, meeting deadlines, or competitive analysis (e.g., 'We need to catch up with our competitors').
Academic
Refers to reviewing missed material or reading literature in a field.
Everyday
Most common: social updates and managing overdue chores.
Technical
Rare in pure technical jargon; used more in project management contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “catchup”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “catchup”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catchup”
- Using 'catch up' without a necessary preposition (e.g., 'I need to catch up the news' instead of 'catch up ON the news'). Confusing 'catch up with' (people/topics) and 'catch up on' (tasks/news).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The verb is always two words: 'catch up'. The noun (e.g., 'a catch-up') and adjective (e.g., 'catch-up work') are hyphenated.
'Catch up WITH' is used for people or moving subjects (e.g., 'catch up with Sarah', 'catch up with the leader'). 'Catch up ON' is used for tasks, news, or sleep (e.g., 'catch up on work', 'catch up on the news').
Yes, it's common and neutral in business (e.g., 'catch up on a project', 'a catch-up meeting'). It suggests informal progress updates.
It's neutral to informal. In very formal writing, synonyms like 'reach the same level' or 'compensate for' might be preferred, but it is acceptable in most professional spoken contexts.
To reach the same level or standard as someone or something that is ahead.
Catchup: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkætʃ ˈʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkætʃ ˈʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play catch-up”
- “a catch-up meeting”
- “catching up on sleep”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a runner (you) trying to CATCH someone UP ahead on the track.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT AS PROGRESS (The forward movement of others is a standard to be matched), BEING INFORMED IS BEING CAUGHT UP (Information is a substance you gather).
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'Let's have a catch-up over lunch,' what is the grammatical function of 'catch-up'?