Word
backstabbing
Phoneticsback·stab·bing
UK/bˈækstæbɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. betrayal of someone who trusts you, often by saying bad things about them when they are not there. You use it for friends or coworkers who act loyal to your face.
n. betrayal of trust through secret disloyalty, such as spreading damaging information about an ally or friend. Typically implies outward friendliness combined with covert hostility.
Examples
“She hates the backstabbing in her office.”
“He praised his teammate in the meeting but criticized him to the boss later — classic backstabbing.”
“The memoir describes years of backstabbing among allies who smiled for cameras while leaking damaging stories to the press.”
Examples
simple
“She hates the backstabbing in her office.”
contextual
“He praised his teammate in the meeting but criticized him to the boss later — classic backstabbing.”
complex
“The memoir describes years of backstabbing among allies who smiled for cameras while leaking damaging stories to the press.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “backstabbing” in context.
Verb
01. accuse of backstabbing
“He accused his former partner of backstabbing during the election campaign.”
verb + prep + noun
02. backstabbing destroys
“Workplace backstabbing destroys trust faster than any other conflict.”
noun + verb
03. backstabbing hurts
“Backstabbing hurts the most when it comes from a close friend.”
noun + verb
04. condemn backstabbing
“The manager publicly condemned backstabbing among team members.”
verb + noun
05. endure backstabbing
“For months she had to endure backstabbing from jealous coworkers.”
verb + noun
06. expose backstabbing
“The journalist helped expose backstabbing within the city council.”
verb + noun
Adjective
07. blatant backstabbing
“Praising her in meetings then criticizing her to the boss was blatant backstabbing.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. act of backstabbing
“Leaking her private emails was an act of backstabbing.”
noun + prep + noun
09. culture of backstabbing
“The company developed a toxic culture of backstabbing.”
noun + prep + noun
10. history of backstabbing
“The two departments have a long history of backstabbing.”
noun + prep + noun
11. accuse someone of backstabbing
“She accused someone of backstabbing her to get the promotion.”
12. no room for backstabbing
“In a good friendship there is no room for backstabbing.”
Real-World Examples
“The Murdochs have never been a traditional family - one reason why their story is said to have inspired the power struggles and backstabbing in the acclaimed TV drama, Succession.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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