B2verbworkbusiness
US/ˈes.kə.leɪt/
UK/ˈes.kə.leɪt/
to pass a problem to someone with more authority, or to become more serious
In context
If the agent cannot fix the problem, they will escalate it to a supervisor.
We had to escalate the complaint because the customer was still unhappy.
A small disagreement over pricing quickly escalated into a serious dispute.
Words that go with escalate
verb + noun
- escalate an issuePlease escalate the issue if it is not solved today.
- escalate a complaintAgents may escalate a complaint to the manager.
- escalate the matterWe will escalate the matter to head office.
verb + preposition
- escalate to a managerCalls about refunds are escalated to a manager.
- escalate intoThe argument escalated into a legal case.
verb + adverb
- escalate quicklyTensions can escalate quickly during busy periods.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
escalate to the problemCorrect: escalate the problem to my boss