English Reference

Word

stardom

Phoneticsstar·dom, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈstɑɹdəm/

UK/stˈɑːdəm/

Uncountable noun

Definition

n. the state of being a very famous person, especially in movies, music, or sports. It describes the life and status of a celebrity.

n. the status or condition of being a highly celebrated performer or public figure. Often associated with the entertainment industry and the transition from obscurity to fame.

Examples

“She achieved international stardom after her first movie.”

“The young singer struggled with the sudden loss of privacy that came with her rise to stardom.”

“The documentary explores the psychological toll of child stardom, highlighting how early exposure to the public eye can distort a person's development.”

Examples

simple

“She achieved international stardom after her first movie.”

contextual

“The young singer struggled with the sudden loss of privacy that came with her rise to stardom.”

complex

“The documentary explores the psychological toll of child stardom, highlighting how early exposure to the public eye can distort a person's development.”

Usage

Typically used as an uncountable noun to describe a state of being; often follows verbs like 'achieve', 'reach', or 'rise to'.

Real-World Examples

“In a sign of her own rising stardom, Dimoldenberg took on the chilli challenge in the same year.”
BBC News 5 Sept 2026
“Dominic Sessa stars as a 19-year-old Anthony Bourdain during the summer that paved his way toward celebrity chef stardom.”
NPR 10 Aug 2026
“Ten-year-old Hari is determined to achieve stardom at all costs – especially when a school film-making competition offers him his big break.”
The Guardian 27 Feb 2026

Word family

NOUN

stardom(B2)

ADJECTIVE

This entry

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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