high-up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Informal, somewhat journalistic. More common in spoken English and informal writing than in formal documents.
Quick answer
What does “high-up” mean?
A person holding a senior or powerful position in an organization.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person holding a senior or powerful position in an organization.
Can refer to anything or anyone situated in a high rank, level, or position, often implying influence, authority, and social or professional status. Can also be used adjectivally to describe such a position.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both varieties with the same core meaning. Slightly more common in UK journalism and colloquial speech.
Connotations
In both, can be slightly critical or sardonic, implying bureaucracy or unapproachability. In American corporate speak, 'higher-up' (singular or plural) is a more frequent variant.
Frequency
High-up is established in both dialects. The hyphenated form is more common for the noun/adjective. 'Higher-ups' is a very common plural form, especially in AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “high-up” in a Sentence
[determiner] + high-up + [prepositional phrase (in/of)]the high-ups at [organization]a high-up in the [department]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high-up” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She has a high-up position in the civil service.
- It was a decision made at a very high-up level.
American English
- He's a high-up official in the State Department.
- The memo was sent to all high-up managers.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal reference to C-suite executives or senior VPs, e.g., 'The decision came from the high-ups.'
Academic
Rare, except perhaps in sociology/political science discussing power structures informally.
Everyday
Used to refer to bosses, local officials, or anyone perceived as being in authority, often with a hint of frustration, e.g., 'I'll have to ask the high-ups.'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “high-up”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “high-up”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high-up”
- Using it in overly formal contexts (use 'senior executive' instead).
- Misspelling as one word ('highup') or two separate words when used as a noun/adjective (correct: hyphenated).
- Using 'high-up' to refer to a physical location instead of a person.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal. Use terms like 'senior executive', 'senior official', or 'senior management' in formal writing.
The most common plural is 'high-ups' (e.g., 'the high-ups in government'). 'Higher-ups' is also very frequently used.
Yes, hyphenated. For example: 'a high-up position', 'high-up officials'. It functions as a compound adjective.
They are largely synonymous. 'Higher-up' is perhaps more common in American English and often implies a direct comparison ('my higher-up' = the person above me). 'High-up' can be more general for any senior person.
A person holding a senior or powerful position in an organization.
High-up: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The word itself is idiomatic. Related: 'high-up in the ranks', 'climb to the high-ups'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ORGANIZATION CHART. The 'high-up' people are literally positioned HIGH UP on the chart, near the top.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL/PROFESSIONAL HIERARCHY IS VERTICAL ELEVATION (Up is powerful/good, Down is weak/bad).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'high-up' used correctly?