one-on-one

adjective or adverb

ˌwən-ȯn-ˈwən How to pronounce one-on-one (audio)
ˌwən-än-
Synonyms of one-on-onenext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even one-on-one, this is likely going to be a tough sell for some people, but if you’re unbothered by sharing food and germs, then potential social awkwardness should be a breeze. R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026 But Judah’s model was, in its way, less public, or at least less politically oriented, more atomized, similar to self-help figures like Oprah and Deepak Chopra, who might give private instruction and offer one-on-one spiritual therapy to the famous. Sam Kestenbaum, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026 That there were scenes that were cut, including El and Mike going into Camazotz to rescue Will, and a Mike and Will one-on-one scene. Kate Aurthur, Variety, 2 Jan. 2026 The footage also featured photos of Abdullahi, a Hillary Clinton donor, posing for one-on-one pictures with the former Secretary of State and former President Bill Clinton. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 1 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for one-on-one

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-on-one was in 1940

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Cite this Entry

“One-on-one.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-on-one. Accessed 4 Jan. 2026.

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