keep up with

/ˌkip ˈʌp wɪð/

Reviewed on

Type

Phrasal verb

Meaning

  1. To move, progress, or change at the same rate as someone or something else.

    • He had to walk briskly to keep up with the tour guide.

    • Can smaller companies keep up with the pace of technological change?

  2. To remain informed about current events, trends, or developments.

    • She reads several newspapers every morning to keep up with current events.

    • It is difficult to keep up with all the new industry regulations.

  3. To maintain regular contact or communication with someone.

    • I try to keep up with my college roommates through occasional group video calls.

    • Do you still keep up with your former coworkers after switching jobs?

  4. To stay current with something that must be done regularly, such as payments or work.

    • It was hard to keep up with the rent after she lost her second job.

    • Are you keeping up with your homework this semester?

How it's used

This means “move at the same speed as someone or something”

  • keep up with the group

“keep up with them.”

She ran faster to keep up with the group.

Collocations

  • keep up with demand
  • keep up with inflation
  • keep up with the pace
  • keep up with the times
  • keep up with current events
  • keep up with the news
  • keep up with old friends

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • fall behind

Idioms

  • keep up with the Joneses

    compete socially by matching possessions and lifestyle

    They bought an expensive sports car just to keep up with the Joneses.