I. ˈkaˌchəp, ˈkeˌ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: catch up
1. : an activity or move intended to catch up to a theoretical norm (as a level of production or supply) especially following a period of curtailment of such activity
postwar catch-up in construction work was rapid
2. : the fact of catching up to a theoretical norm especially in industrial production
the catch-up in quantity — Wall Street Journal
II. adjective
Etymology: catch-up , noun
: intended to catch up to a theoretical norm or a competitor's accomplishments