1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To actively resist or oppose something that is considered unjust, harmful, or wrong.
"Young people across the country are standing up against climate inaction."
inseparable
stand up against
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To oppose or resist something harmful, unjust, or wrong.
In plain English
To say no to something bad and fight against it.
What does "stand up against" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To be compared favorably with something else; to hold its own when placed beside another thing.
"Our product stands up against anything the competition can offer."
inseparable
Usage tip
Often used in political, social, and moral contexts. Carries a sense of moral courage. The object is usually an abstract concept (injustice, tyranny, oppression) rather than a specific person.
Words that pair with "stand up against"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
injustice tyranny oppression bullying corruption discrimination
How to conjugate "stand up against"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stand up against
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stands up against
he/she/it
Past simple
stood up against
yesterday
Past participle
stood up against
have + pp
-ing form
standing up against
continuous
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