Differences between let down and let up

Let down means to disappoint someone or fail to meet their expectations, while let up means to decrease in intensity or relent.

Meanings and Definitions: let down vs let up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Let down

1Disappoint, fail to keep an arrangement.
She failed to turn up and I felt badly LET DOWN.
2Make clothes longer.
He's grown so much, we'll have to LET his trousers DOWN.

Let up

1To continue without stopping or becoming less intense.
She’s a coach who never lets up on her players.

Usage Examples: let down, let up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

let down

Example

I don't want to let down my team by not showing up for practice.

Example

She always lets down her friends when they need her the most.

let up

Example

I hope the rain lets up soon.

Example

The storm lets up after a few hours.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Let down

disappoint

To fail to meet someone's expectations or hopes.

Example

I don't want to disappoint my parents by dropping out of college.

fall short

To fail to reach a goal or standard.

Example

The team fell short of winning the championship despite their hard work and dedication.

drop the ball

To make a mistake or fail to do something that was expected or required.

Example

I dropped the ball by forgetting to send the important email to my boss.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Let up

ease off

To decrease in intensity or pressure.

Example

The rain eased off after a few hours of heavy downpour.

relax

To become less tense or stressed.

Example

I need to relax and take a break from work to recharge my batteries.

lighten up

To become less serious or strict.

Example

Hey, lighten up! We're just joking around here.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “let”

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in let down vs let up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: let down or let up?

In daily conversation, people use let down more often than let up. This is because let down is used to express disappointment or failure, which is a common experience. Let up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about the intensity of something. So, while both phrases are used, let down is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of let down and let up

Let down and let up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of let down and let up

The tone of let down and let up can differ based on context. Let down often carries a disappointed or regretful tone when related to failing to meet expectations, while let up typically has a relieved or hopeful tone, especially when referring to a decrease in intensity or pressure.

let down & let up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Let down

Synonyms

Antonyms

Let up

Synonyms

Antonyms