step down — resign from a position
phrasal verbB2IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To leave an important job or official position, usually so someone else can take over.
Say it like a native
Textbook The CEO will relinquish her position next month.
Native The CEO is stepping down next month.
'Step down' is the everyday verb for leaving a top job; 'relinquish her position' is formal.
Pattern: step down (as [position])
In use
- After ten years as CEO, she decided to step down and spend more time with her family.work
- If I were offered a better opportunity, I might consider stepping down from my current role to try something new.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ He stepped down from of his role.
✓ He stepped down from his role.
'Step down FROM' a role — don't add 'of'.
Common collocations
step down + from— as chairman, from the board, next year, over the scandal
Don't confuse it
'Step down' means to leave a position, while 'step up' means to take on more responsibility.