sportsmanship
n. uncountable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈspɔɹtsmənˌʃɪp// UK //spˈɔːtsmənʃˌɪp// sports·man·ship
n. fair and honest behavior when playing a game or sport. It means treating your opponents with respect, even if you lose.
n. fair, generous, and ethical behavior or treatment of others in a sporting contest. Refers to the adherence to the spirit of the game rather than just the rules.
Shaking hands after the match is a sign of good sportsmanship.
The player received an award for sportsmanship after helping an injured opponent cross the finish line.
While the desire to win is inherent to professional athletics, true sportsmanship requires a commitment to integrity that transcends the final score on the board.
From sports + -manship.
Usage
Uncountable; frequently paired with the adjectives 'good' or 'poor'.