step-up

or step·up

[ step-uhp ]

adjective

1. effecting an increase.
2. Electricity. serving to increase voltage:

   a step-up transformer.

3. (of a lease) allowing for gradual rent increases to the highest amount permissible.

noun

1. an increase or rise in the rate or quantity of something.

step up

verb

1. tr to increase or raise by stages; accelerate
2. intr to make progress or effect an advancement; be promoted
3. step up to the plate
   1. baseball to move into batting position
   2. to come forward and take responsibility for something

adjective

1. (of a transformer) increasing a low voltage applied to the primary winding to a higher voltage on the secondary winding Compare step down
2. informal.
   involving a rise by stages

noun

1. informal.
   an increment in quantity, size, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of step-up¹

First recorded in 1890–95; adj., noun use of verb phrase step up

Example Sentences

Swedish streaming audio giant Spotify is courting more video creators, podcasters and influencers in an effort to step up its competition with popular digital platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

From Los Angeles Times

Kemi Badenoch has accused the government of producing a Budget to "milk the private sector" as she stepped up her party's criticism of the rise in National Insurance paid by employers.

From BBC

Rogers says he is ready to step up before the "clean slate" when Tuchel takes over.

From BBC

"For Alyssa, who is coming from the White House, 'The View' salary would be a step up!"

From Salon

Another change has been picking players a year young at England Under-18 level for their summer tour of South Africa, giving players more time in the set-up before stepping up to the under-20s.

From BBC

Related Words

• boost
• escalate
• hasten
• improve
• increase
• intensify
• quicken
• raise
• speed