# friendlies

/fɹˈɛndliz/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/friendlies
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

sports matches played for practice or fun rather than for a prize or a league position. You use this when the result of the game does not affect a team's official ranking.

For teachers: sports matches played for practice or exhibition purposes, where the outcome has no impact on league standings or tournament progression. Often used to test new players or tactics before competitive seasons begin.

## Examples

- The national team is playing two friendlies before the World Cup starts.
- The manager used the summer friendlies to experiment with a new defensive formation and give younger players some experience.
- While the scoreline in pre-season friendlies is technically irrelevant, a string of heavy defeats can still damage a squad's morale and lower fan expectations before the official campaign kicks off.

## Usage notes

- Takes plural verb agreement. The singular form 'friendly' is also used to refer to a single match.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.