Dictionary

catch-up

Pronunciation: (kach'up"), [key]
—n.
1. an effort to reach or pass a norm, esp. after a period of delay: After the slowdown there was a catch-up in production.
2. an effort to catch up with or surpass a competitor, as in a sports contest.
3. an instance of catching up.
4. play catch-up, Informal.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.