English Reference

Phrasal verb

ramp up

Definition

phrasal verb. to increase the amount, speed, or power of something. You use this when a company or group starts doing more of an activity.

phrasal verb. to increase the level or amount of something sharply or significantly. Often used in business or organizational contexts to describe a deliberate expansion of effort or production.

Examples

“The factory will ramp up production next month.”

“The government decided to ramp up its vaccination program to reach more people before winter.”

“As the deadline approached, the engineering team had to ramp up their efforts to ensure the prototype met all safety specifications.”

Examples

simple

“The factory will ramp up production next month.”

contextual

“The government decided to ramp up its vaccination program to reach more people before winter.”

complex

“As the deadline approached, the engineering team had to ramp up their efforts to ensure the prototype met all safety specifications.”

Usage

usually takes an object like 'production', 'efforts', or 'security'.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'increase' (neutral) and 'escalate' (often negative); 'ramp up' implies a planned, deliberate expansion.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

ramp + up + object

Synonyms

increaseboostintensifystep up

Antonyms

scale backreducewind down

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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference