# step down

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/step-down
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to leave an important job or position, usually so that someone else can do it.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He stepped down his job yesterday." but "He stepped down from his job yesterday." — the verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'from' before the noun phrase representing the position.

## Usage notes

- 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.

---

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.