Word
UPS
Phoneticsups
US/ˈəps/
UK/ˈʌps/
Definition
v. to increase the amount, speed, or quality of something. It is a casual way to say you are making something better or more intense.
v. to increase or improve the level, intensity, or quality of a particular factor. Informal in register; often used in the context of raising stakes or performance.
Examples
“The athlete decided to ups her training before the big race.”
“If we want to win this contract, we really need to ups our game during the final presentation.”
“The studio decided to ups the production budget significantly after the first trailer received an overwhelmingly positive response from the global audience.”
Examples
simple
“The athlete decided to ups her training before the big race.”
contextual
“If we want to win this contract, we really need to ups our game during the final presentation.”
complex
“The studio decided to ups the production budget significantly after the first trailer received an overwhelmingly positive response from the global audience.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object; it is often used in the idiomatic phrase 'ups the ante' or 'ups one's game'.
Pitfall
he uped the price
he upped the price
When adding -ed or -ing, the final 'p' must be doubled to maintain the correct vowel sound.
Idioms
01. ups and downs
- 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
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/ups