Phrase guide

get with the program

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To become organized, current, or aware; to adopt the prevailing viewpoint.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, idiomatic, informal

Examples

  • When the student was behind on his vocabulary, the teacher said, "get with the program!"

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To work productively toward the objective of a shared enterprise, especially after the objective or the environment has changed.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, idiomatic, informal

Examples

  • Though natural gas prices dropped, the folks doing solar didn't get with the program.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To comply with the norms of a social group, especially a shared enterprise; to comply with the accepted or prevailing way of doing things.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, idiomatic, informal

Examples

  • Dude, get with the program! We don't do casual Fridays any more.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: ponerse con el programa — to adapt and align with prevailing norms, goals, or conditions within a group or context