stɛp daʊn
formal
intermediate
- Base verb:
- step
- Particle:
- down
- Separable:
- No
What does "step down" mean?
To resign from an important position
Examples
- The CEO announced she would step down.
- He stepped down from the board after 15 years.
- The project lead stepped down due to health reasons.
- She was asked to step down following the scandal.
How to use it
Used in corporate and political contexts.
Similar expressions
resign
retire
abdicate
quit
Opposites
step up
take over
Related phrasal verbs
- step up
To take action or responsibility when needed
- turn down
To reduce the volume, heat, or intensity of something
- bring down
To cause something to fall or collapse
- go down
To decrease in price, level, or amount
- come down
To decrease in price, level, or amount
- break down
To stop working or functioning (machines, vehicles)
Use it in a practice answer
Try "step down" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.