Phrasal verb
step down
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
step down
Past
stepped down
Past participle
stepped down
Definition
phrasal verb. to leave an important job or position, usually so that someone else can do it.
phrasal verb. to resign from a high-ranking office or position of authority. The verb is intransitive and often implies a voluntary departure, frequently followed by the preposition 'from'.
Examples
“The CEO decided to step down after ten years.”
“After the scandal became public, the minister was forced to step down from his position in the cabinet.”
“The long-serving chairman announced his intention to step down, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue philanthropic interests.”
Examples
simple
“The CEO decided to step down after ten years.”
contextual
“After the scandal became public, the minister was forced to step down from his position in the cabinet.”
complex
“The long-serving chairman announced his intention to step down, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue philanthropic interests.”
Usage
often used in business and politics; usually followed by 'from' and the name of the role.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'resign' (more formal) and 'quit' (more casual/abrupt); 'step down' often suggests a dignified or planned exit.
Pitfall
He stepped down his job yesterday.
He stepped down from his job yesterday.
the verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'from' before the noun phrase representing the position.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
step + down (+ from + object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- 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
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/step-down