To catch up with someone or something; to draw level or reach the same position or speed.
彼は駅まで走って友達に追いついた。
He ran to the station and caught up with his friend.
売上が下がったが、今月は取り組みで追いつく見込みだ。
Sales dropped, but this month they expect to catch up through efforts.
テクノロジーの進化に企業が追いつけないこともある。
Sometimes companies can't keep up with technological advances.
To be compensated for; to make up for losses or deficiencies (often used figuratively).
コスト削減で赤字を補い、ようやく損失に追いついた。
By cutting costs they offset the deficit and finally made up for the losses.
遅れた分は残業で追いつくしかない。
The only way to make up for the delay is to work overtime.