Word
sportsmanship
Phoneticssports·man·ship, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈspɔɹtsmənˌʃɪp/
UK/spˈɔːtsmənʃˌɪp/
Uncountable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“Shaking hands after the match is a sign of good sportsmanship.”
contextual
“The player received an award for sportsmanship after helping an injured opponent cross the finish line.”
complex
“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.”
Usage
Uncountable; frequently paired with the adjectives 'good' or 'poor'.
Etymology
From sports + -manship.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
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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englishreference.com/q/sportsmanship