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

But the touring musical’s book and score don’t quite measure up to the thrilling spectacle of the show, which plays through Sunday evening at the San Diego Civic Theatre. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

How do Pittsburgh's public high schools measure up to other educational institutions throughout the state — and the nation? — Finch Walker, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Hafley needs to continue to measure up the players on this roster. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

However, this series did more than measure up to the quality of The Next Generation (a lofty feat in and of itself). — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Aug. 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