# UPS

/ˈəps/ (US) · /ˈʌps/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ups
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. backup power device

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

Stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply. A battery system that provides power to a computer if the main electricity fails.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Uninterruptible Power Supply. An apparatus that provides emergency power to a load when the input power source or main power fails.

- The server stayed online during the storm because it was connected to a UPS.
- Data centers rely on industrial-scale UPS systems to bridge the gap between a utility failure and the activation of diesel generators.

Usage: Usually treated as a countable noun; use 'a UPS' (pronounced 'a U-P-S').

### 2. delivery company

noun · CEFR B1

Stands for United Parcel Service. A large international company that delivers packages.

For teachers: Abbreviation for United Parcel Service. A global package delivery and supply chain management company.

- I need to go to the shop to drop off this UPS package.
- The logistics manager coordinated the international shipment through UPS to ensure real-time tracking for the client.

### 4. outstanding or impressive

adjective · CEFR C1 · Dialect · Slang

A word used to describe something that is very good or impressive.

For teachers: A predicative adjective used to denote excellence or high quality.

- His performance at the concert last night was really UPS.
- The local youth culture often uses the term to describe an athlete who is particularly UPS during a match.

Teaching tip: This sense is specific to Singaporean English (Singlish) and is rarely understood outside of that region.

## 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.

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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.