# face up to

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/face-up-to
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to accept that a difficult or unpleasant situation exists and start dealing with it.

For teachers: to acknowledge and confront a challenging reality or responsibility that one might otherwise avoid.

## Examples

- You need to face up to your problems.
- After months of overspending, he finally had to face up to his growing debt.
- The board of directors must face up to the fact that their current business model is no longer sustainable in the digital age.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He faced up his mistakes." but "He faced up to his mistakes." — the preposition 'to' is essential to complete the meaning of this three-part phrasal verb.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun phrase representing a negative truth or a difficult responsibility.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'ignore' or 'avoid'; it implies a transition from denial to acceptance and action.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.