one-on-one
adjective or adverb
ˌwən-ȯn-ˈwən 
ˌwən-än-
1
: playing directly against a single opposing player
2
: involving a direct encounter between one person and another
Examples of one-on-one in a Sentence
bragged that no one could go one-on-one with her in a game of darts and win
Recent Examples on the Web
He’s also fearlessly poised under pressure and makes plays under tight coverage in difficult spots, including one-on-one as the last man back at the offensive zone blue line.
—
Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 3 June 2026
As a player, Roberto Carlos was renowned for his pace, positioning, and strength and his ability to shut down wingers, especially in one-on-one situations.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026
The blueprint is built from Smotherman’s own processes, refined over years of active investing, and delivered through daily one-on-one support, detailed training modules, and a community of peers working toward similar goals.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 2 June 2026
In talent recruitment, Macy’s has updated its leadership development, with new moves such as giving each of its 200 vice-president leaders a one-on-one personal executive coach and using AI to offer similar training to 6,000 management-level staff.
—Phil Wahba, Fortune, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for one-on-one
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Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 3 June 2026
As a player, Roberto Carlos was renowned for his pace, positioning, and strength and his ability to shut down wingers, especially in one-on-one situations.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026
The blueprint is built from Smotherman’s own processes, refined over years of active investing, and delivered through daily one-on-one support, detailed training modules, and a community of peers working toward similar goals.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 2 June 2026
In talent recruitment, Macy’s has updated its leadership development, with new moves such as giving each of its 200 vice-president leaders a one-on-one personal executive coach and using AI to offer similar training to 6,000 management-level staff.
—Phil Wahba, Fortune, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for one-on-one
Cite this Entry
“One-on-one.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-on-one. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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