1 B1 informal
(Of weather or something unpleasant) to become less strong, severe, or continuous.
"The storm didn't let up all night, so we stayed inside."
“
The rain let up just long enough for us to run to the car.
inseparable
let up
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To become less intense, severe, or continuous; to stop or relax pressure.
In plain English
When something hard or strong slows down or stops for a while.
What does "let up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To reduce the pressure, effort, or intensity of one's actions; to ease off.
"The coach never lets up during training — he pushes us to our limits every session."
“
I don't intend to let up on this issue.
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To stop doing something, especially something relentless or annoying.
"She kept asking questions and wouldn't let up until she got an answer."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To allow something to go upward — as if releasing a downward force.
Actually means
When something hard or strong slows down or stops for a while.
Usage tip
Most commonly used with weather (rain, snow, wind) or figuratively with pressure, criticism, or work. Can also be used transitively in American English to mean 'to release someone from a task' (e.g., 'let me up'), but this sense is less common.
Words that pair with "let up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rain wind pressure criticism pace cold
How to conjugate "let up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
let up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lets up
he/she/it
Past simple
let up
yesterday
Past participle
let up
have + pp
-ing form
letting up
continuous
Hear "let up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "let up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.