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catch-up

 - 2 dictionary results

catch-up

  [kach-uhp]
Use catch-up in a Sentence
–noun
1. an effort to reach or pass a norm, esp. after a period of delay: After the slowdown there was a catch-up in production.
2. an effort to catch up with or surpass a competitor, as in a sports contest.
3. an instance of catching up.
–adjective
4. intended to keep up with or surpass a norm or competitor: a catch-up pay raise to offset inflation.
—Idiom
5. play catch-up, Informal. to make a special effort to overcome a late start, a liability, or the advantage a competitor has: After Russia launched the first space satellite, other countries had to play catch-up.
Origin:
1835–45, Americanism; n., adj. use of v. phrase catch up
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To catch-up
catch-up   (kāch'ŭp', kěch'-)
n.  

  1. An approach or strategy intended to overcome a disadvantage or lead: The competition will be playing catch-up for the rest of the season.

  2. An increase intended to bring an amount or rate up to a standard: "the statutory catch-up of Social Security benefits with the cost of living" (Nation).

catch'-up' adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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