Word
upstart
Phoneticsup·start, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈəpˌstɑɹt/
UK/ˈʌpstɑːt/
Definition
n. a person who tries to be more important or powerful than they really are. People use this word when someone is acting like they belong to a higher social class than they actually do.
n. a person who pretends to be more important or wealthy than they actually are. Often carries a derogatory or dismissive tone, implying a lack of legitimate social status or merit.
Examples
“He is a total upstart who thinks he knows everything.”
“The established family members were annoyed by the upstart who tried to take over the business without experience.”
“The novel explores the tension between the traditional aristocracy and the upstart bourgeoisie, whose sudden wealth and influence threaten the established social order.”
Examples
simple
“He is a total upstart who thinks he knows everything.”
contextual
“The established family members were annoyed by the upstart who tried to take over the business without experience.”
complex
“The novel explores the tension between the traditional aristocracy and the upstart bourgeoisie, whose sudden wealth and influence threaten the established social order.”
Real-World Examples
“He’ll now face Democratic upstart and state lawmaker James Talarico in the November general election.” “Will the future of gaming be powered by upstart indie developers?” Etymology
From Middle English upstarten, upsterten, equivalent to up- + start.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
PHRASAL VERB
PREPOSITION
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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