measure up
verb
measured up; measuring up; measures up
1
: to have necessary or fitting qualifications
As a candidate for the job, he didn't measure up.
—often used with toHer 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 toHis recent novels haven't measured up to his earlier works.
Examples of measure up in a Sentence
he always worried about measuring up to his older brother
Recent Examples on the Web
It’s widely acknowledged that American shipbuilding has been in decline and needs to be revitalized to have any chance of measuring up to China, which now has a vast lead.
—
Rebecca Fannin, CNBC, 19 May 2026
So, how does Cox’s creation measure up to its name?
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 16 May 2026
Story-wise, however, Butterfly Jam is too diffuse to measure up to the brutally transfixing Beanpole.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
Its massive flower heads measure up to 1 foot across.
—Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for measure up
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Rebecca Fannin, CNBC, 19 May 2026
So, how does Cox’s creation measure up to its name?
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 16 May 2026
Story-wise, however, Butterfly Jam is too diffuse to measure up to the brutally transfixing Beanpole.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
Its massive flower heads measure up to 1 foot across.
—Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for measure up
Cite this Entry
“Measure up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/measure%20up. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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