gamesmanship
Americannoun
-
the use of methods, especially in a sports contest, that are dubious or seemingly improper but not strictly illegal.
-
the technique or practice of manipulating people or events so as to gain an advantage or outwit one's opponents or competitors.
noun
Other Word Forms
- gamesman noun
Etymology
Origin of gamesmanship
1945–50; game 1 + -s 3 + -manship, perhaps on the model of sportsmanship
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After he pitched 2⅔ scoreless innings to win the game and the World Series championship for the Dodgers, the gamesmanship had been transformed into greatness, and the con man had become a hero.
From Los Angeles Times
In most other sports, that would have been considered gamesmanship.
From Los Angeles Times
I ask whether he considers gamesmanship or even dirty tactics, such as those that Michael Schumacher faced accusations of at times.
From BBC
"It's a bit of gamesmanship," Schmidt said on Saturday evening, before defending his team's record.
From BBC
“While a truce is likely….both sides are engaging in gamesmanship,” wrote the pair.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
