rack up

Language:

1. verb phraseto accumulate or score a large number of something, especially points or money

Usage context

Commonly used in contexts related to games, sports, or competitions, where one's performance is being measured or scored. It can also be used in a more general sense to describe accumulating wealth, debts, or other quantifiable things.

Examples

  1. The team racked up 50 points in the first half.

  2. The basketball player racked up 30 points in the final quarter, securing his team's victory.

  3. The company's new marketing strategy helped them rack up a significant amount of sales within the first month.

  4. During the holiday season, many people rack up credit card debt due to excessive spending.

  5. The popular video game allowed players to rack up points and badges as they progressed through levels.

Synonyms

2. verb phraseto cause someone or something to incur a large amount of debt or expense

Usage context

Often used in financial contexts, such as business or personal finance, where one's spending habits or financial decisions are being evaluated. It emphasizes the idea of accumulating debt or expenses rapidly.

Examples

  1. The company racked up millions of dollars in debt during the economic downturn.

  2. The family's medical bills began to rack up after their child was diagnosed with a chronic illness.

  3. The government's spending on infrastructure projects started to rack up massive debts that would take years to pay off.

  4. The startup's lavish spending habits caused them to rack up a substantial amount of debt, threatening their financial stability.

  5. The company's CEO was criticized for his role in helping the company rack up millions of dollars in debt through ill-advised investments.

Synonyms