1 B1 idiomatic informal
To accumulate a large number of points, wins, or achievements.
"The team racked up an impressive twelve wins in a row before their first defeat of the season."
separable
rack up
B1 informal separable transitive
To accumulate a large amount of something, such as points, debts, wins, or costs, often rapidly.
In plain English
To collect or build up a lot of something, like points, money owed, or successes.
What does "rack up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To accumulate a large amount of debt, costs, or negative consequences.
"He managed to rack up over ten thousand dollars in credit card debt within six months of graduating."
separable
3 B1 idiomatic informal
To score or achieve something notable, adding it to a growing list of accomplishments.
"Over her career, she has racked up numerous awards and international accolades."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place items on a rack, building up a collection or tally.
Actually means
To collect or build up a lot of something, like points, money owed, or successes.
Usage tip
Very common in both British and American English. Can be used for both positive things (wins, points, achievements) and negative ones (debts, losses, costs, penalties). Often implies an impressive or noteworthy quantity. Derived from the image of scores or tallies being placed on a rack. Works with a wide range of objects.
Words that pair with "rack up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
points debt wins losses miles charges experience
How to conjugate "rack up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rack up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
racks up
he/she/it
Past simple
racked up
yesterday
Past participle
racked up
have + pp
-ing form
racking up
continuous
Hear "rack up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rack up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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