measure up

verb

measured up; measuring up; measures up

intransitive verb

1

: to have necessary or fitting qualifications

—often used with to

2

: to be the equal (as in ability)

—used with to

Synonyms

• approach
• approximate
• compare (with)
• stack up (against or with)

Examples of measure up in a Sentence

he always worried about measuring up to his older brother

Recent Examples on the Web

The question is if the actress playing OG stage mom Mama Rose can measure up to the women who’ve come before her — icons like Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Patti LuPone, to name only a few. —Kathryn Vandervalk, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024

Frankie Montas just signed a two-year, $34 million deal with the Mets - he’s been modestly more durable than Boyd over recent seasons but doesn’t measure up qualitatively. —Tony Blengino, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Reeling 49ers still can't measure up: Never mind revenge. —Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2024

While red hot pokers can grow to 175 centimeters (5 feet 9 inches) tall, Ethiopian wolves measure up to around 60 centimeters (2 feet) in height and 100 centimeters (3 feet 3 inches) in length. —Alex Rodway, CNN, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

measure up

verb

1

: to have necessary or fitting qualifications

2

: to be the equal (as in ability)

—used with to