level up

verb

leveled up or levelled up; leveling up or levelling up; levels up

transitive + intransitive

: to advance or improve (oneself, someone else, or something) in or as if in a game

Collect cards and magic potions, then level up your favourite dragons to increase their abilities.

—Animation Xpress

Staying competitive comes down to many factors, but one that's often overlooked, in my opinion, is the ongoing need to level up your marketing team.

—Sujan Patel

That [Kevin] Reilly has leveled up the brands of both networks is clear in their programming selections.

—Broadcasting and Cable

We provide nurses with the tools they need to level up their careers and their profession …

—News & Record (Greensboro, North Carolina)

Leveling up and finding new weapons, armor, or items give you plenty of incentive to keep slashing and button mashing away.

—Dan Hsu

Companies coax helpers to participate by offering points for useful answers, connecting total points to specific achievement levels, and encouraging users to level up, for even greater prestige.

—Paul McFedries

Examples of level up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Then level up your workwear with these polished lug-sole loafers, a classic button-down from Tommy Hilfiger, and a super chic and versatile Radley London leather bag. —Nina Derwin, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2024

Mel’s mission to level up extends to all areas of her life. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Sep. 2024

Companies looking to level up require focus, efficiency and innovation—and one key business move can help: outsourcing. —Dennis Dufour, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024

This burgundy lamp shade, for example, can be swapped with your typical neutral shades for a simple way to level up autumn vibes. —Molly Menning, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

2003, in the meaning defined above