measure up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “measure up” mean?
To reach an expected or required standard.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To reach an expected or required standard; to be good enough.
To assess or evaluate oneself or something against a criterion or standard.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are virtually identical in both dialects.
Connotations
Slight formal/assessment connotation in UK; slightly more common in general evaluative contexts in US.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “measure up” in a Sentence
measure up to + NOUN (e.g., expectations, standards)measure up + (ADVERB) (e.g., measure up well)measure up as + NOUN/PHRASE (e.g., measure up as a leader)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “measure up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The trainee didn't quite measure up to the firm's exacting standards.
- We need to see if the new software measures up.
American English
- The candidate failed to measure up during the final interview.
- Does this car measure up to its safety ratings?
adverb
British English
- Not applicable for this phrasal verb.
American English
- Not applicable for this phrasal verb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable for this phrasal verb.
American English
- Not applicable for this phrasal verb.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in performance reviews or product comparisons. e.g., 'The new model must measure up to customer expectations.'
Academic
Used in evaluating theories, arguments, or research against criteria.
Everyday
Common in conversations about personal abilities, job candidates, or purchases.
Technical
Used in engineering/quality control contexts, often literally (to meet specifications).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “measure up”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “measure up”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “measure up”
- *He measured up the task. (Incorrect. Correct: He measured up TO the task.)
- *Does it measure? (Missing 'up' changes meaning to literal measurement.)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot say 'measure the standards up'.
Yes, e.g., 'She measures up brilliantly' or 'It measures up well to the competition.'
The preposition 'to' is almost always used when an object follows: 'measure up TO something'.
'Measure' is literal (find size/amount). 'Measure up' is figurative/metaphorical (reach a standard).
To reach an expected or required standard.
Measure up is usually informal to neutral in register.
Measure up: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛʒər ʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛʒər ʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “measure up to your own hype”
- “measure up to the yardstick”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine using a ruler (to MEASURE) to see if something reaches UP to a line marked 'standard'.
Conceptual Metaphor
STANDARDS ARE HEIGHTS / QUALITY IS A MEASURABLE QUANTITY
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'measure up' CORRECTLY?