one–upmanship

noun one–up·man·ship \ˌwən-ˈəp-mən-ˌship\

: behavior in which someone tries to get an advantage by doing, saying, or having better things than someone else

Full Definition of ONE-UPMANSHIP

: the art or practice of outdoing or keeping one jump ahead of a friend or competitor <engaged in a round of verbal one–upmanship>

See one–upmanship defined for English-language learners

one–up·man·ship also one–ups·man·ship \-ˈəps-mən-\

1952

Next Word in the Dictionary: one–wayPrevious Word in the Dictionary: one upAll Words Near: one-upmanship

What made you want to look up one-upmanship? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears