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

Examples of measure up in a Sentence

he always worried about measuring up to his older brother
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even measuring up to them on a one-off basis, as Chelsea will try to do on Sunday, looks hard enough. Oliver Kay, New York Times, 9 July 2025 But how does this position group measure up to other Bucs teams? Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 July 2025 This usually stems from self-critical thinking and the constant pressure to measure up. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 But how does the new venue measure up to others across Nashville? Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for measure up

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of measure up was in 1854

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Cite this Entry

“Measure up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/measure%20up. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

measure up

verb
1
: to have necessary or fitting qualifications
2
: to be the equal (as in ability)
used with to

More from Merriam-Webster on measure up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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