work up

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Because the person has not worked outside of the house, Trench and Jensen have them start with an entry-level receptionist job paying $45,000 a year, and work up from there.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia can work up the information necessary to submit a seizure warrant to the court in a matter of weeks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

Then you work up the chutzpah to share it with other people.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025

New legislation, which came into effect at the start of July, allows employees to work up to 48 hours in a week as opposed to 40.

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2025

My father brought home boxes from the A&P on one of those summer days when the sky is too hot to be blue and all it can work up is a hazy white.

From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt