# stack up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stack-up
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to compare two or more things to see how they measure against each other; it can also mean that something makes sense or seems true.

For teachers: to compare or measure against a standard or competitor; in a secondary sense, to be logically consistent or plausible. Often used in the negative to indicate that an explanation lacks credibility.

## Examples

- How does their new car stack up against ours?
- The detective realized the suspect's story didn't stack up when he checked the security footage.
- While the startup's initial growth was impressive, analysts questioned whether its long-term revenue model would stack up against established industry giants.

## Usage notes

- often used with 'against' for comparisons or in the negative ('doesn't stack up') for logic.
- Teaching tip: help students distinguish between the literal sense of piling objects and the figurative sense of logical consistency or comparative value.

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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.