1 B1 neutral
To advance to a higher position in a career, organisation, or league.
"She worked hard for years and finally moved up to senior manager."
inseparable
move up
B1 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To advance to a higher position, level, or rank, or to shift position to make space.
In plain English
To go higher or get a better position — in a job, a list, or on a seat.
What does "move up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To shift along or upward to make room for others.
"Can everyone move up a few seats so the latecomers can sit together?"
inseparable
3 B2 neutral
To increase in value, price, or ranking.
"Tech stocks moved up sharply after the positive earnings report."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically shift in an upward direction — partially transparent.
Actually means
To go higher or get a better position — in a job, a list, or on a seat.
Usage tip
In career and social contexts, 'move up' implies progress and ambition. It can also be used literally when asking someone to shift in a queue or on a bench.
Words that pair with "move up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
ladder career rank league queue class
How to conjugate "move up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
move up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
moves up
he/she/it
Past simple
moved up
yesterday
Past participle
moved up
have + pp
-ing form
moving up
continuous
Hear "move up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "move up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "move up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.