an effort to reach or pass a norm, esp. after a period of delay: After the slowdown there was a catch-up in production.
an effort to catch up with or surpass a competitor, as in a sports contest.
an instance of catching up.
to make a special effort to overcome a late start, a liability, or the advantage a competitor has: After Russia launched the first space satellite, other countries had to play catch-up.
—adj.
intended to keep up with or surpass a norm or competitor: a catch-up pay raise to offset inflation.