measure up

verb

measured up; measuring up; measures up

intransitive verb

1

: to have necessary or fitting qualifications

As a candidate for the job, he didn't measure up.

—often used with to

Her work didn't measure up to our expectations.

2

: to be the equal (as in ability)

Her early films were promising, but more recent ones haven't measured up.

—used with to

His recent novels haven't measured up to his earlier works.

Synonyms of measure up

• compare (with)
• approximate
• stack up (against or with)
• reflect
• approach
• hold a candle to
• match

Examples of measure up in a Sentence

he always worried about measuring up to his older brother

Recent Examples on the Web

Giant octopuses measuring up to 62 feet (19 meters) in length were among the top ocean predators around 100 million years ago, according to new research that uncovered rare fossils hidden within solid rock. —Jack Guy, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026

The spectacular Signature Suites, measuring up to 70 square meters, feature spacious interiors, separate living areas, access to exclusive facilities, and views of the expanse from the deep blue sea to the majesty of Tibidabo. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

But, yes, the Heat clearly failed to measure up during the regular season and likely would not have held their ground as well as the Magic did in their series opener against Detroit. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026

Baker, 6-1, fits the mold of an NFL corner physically, but the production hasn’t measured up. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for measure up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

measure up

verb

1

: to have necessary or fitting qualifications

2

: to be the equal (as in ability)

—used with to