step-up

American  

[step-uhp] / ˈstɛpˌʌp /

Or stepup

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.

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noun

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

step up British  

verb

1. (tr) to increase or raise by stages; accelerate

2. (intr) to make progress or effect an advancement; be promoted

3. 1. baseball to move into batting position

   2. to come forward and take responsibility for something

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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

step up Idioms  

1. Increase, especially in stages, as in We've got to step up production . [Early 1900s] Also see step down , def. 2.

2. Come forward, as in Step up to the podium, folks, and I'll show you how it works . [Mid-1600s]

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Etymology

Origin of step-up

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

Example Sentences

The key step-up for Joshua came in his 15th fight: a win over Dillian Whyte for the British title, which developed his resolve and enhanced his profile.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

“Once the capex program is complete and the put option is behind it, we suspect New Hope will look to reduce its cash balance, implying a step-up in returns,” says analyst Glyn Lawcock.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

“Now that the estate tax isn’t an issue, they put little bit more of a premium on the step-up in basis,” he says.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

The step-up in basis typically does most of the tax-saving work.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 21, 2026

It was attached to a step-up transformer that converted the current to 230 volts.

From Fish Populations, Following a Drought, in the Neosho and Marais des Cygnes Rivers of Kansas by Deacon, James Everett

Related Words

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