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 iron lung was a large, cylindrical unit (measuring up to six feet in length) that functioned as a respirator to help patients who couldn’t breathe on their own. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025

However, this series did more than measure up to the quality of The Next Generation (a lofty feat in and of itself). —Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025

Automakers that don’t measure up to California’s EV market requirements are obligated to buy clean air credits, usually from a competitor that holds a surplus. —Russ Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024

Several communities north of Atlanta measured up to 5 inches from the storm. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 10 Jan. 2025

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