English Reference

Phrasal verb

average up

Definition

phrasal verb. to buy more of an investment as its price rises, which increases the average price you have paid for all your shares.

phrasal verb. To purchase additional units of an asset at a price higher than the initial purchase price, thereby increasing the weighted average cost of the total position.

Examples

“The stock is doing well, so I might average up today.”

“Instead of selling for a quick profit, she decided to average up as the market trend remained strong.”

“While averaging up can be risky in volatile markets, it allows traders to capitalize on momentum by increasing exposure to outperforming assets.”

Examples

simple

“The stock is doing well, so I might average up today.”

contextual

“Instead of selling for a quick profit, she decided to average up as the market trend remained strong.”

complex

“While averaging up can be risky in volatile markets, it allows traders to capitalize on momentum by increasing exposure to outperforming assets.”

Usage

Often used intransitively or followed by a prepositional phrase starting with 'on'.

Teaching tip

This is a specific financial term; contrast it with 'average down', which is the more common strategy of buying during a price drop.

Pitfall

I need to average up 4.5 to 5.

I need to round up 4.5 to 5.

Averaging up refers to investment costs, while 'rounding up' refers to adjusting a number to the nearest higher whole value.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

average + up (+ on + object)

Synonyms

buy into strengthscale inincrease holdings

Antonyms

average downdivest

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/average-up
English Reference