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Simple Definition of one-upmanship

from our Learner's Dictionary

one-upmanship

noun

ˌwʌnˈʌpmənˌʃɪp

: behavior in which someone tries to get an advantage by doing, saying, or having better things than someone else

a round of verbal one-upmanship

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“One-upmanship.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/one-upmanship. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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Simple Definition of one-upmanship

one-upmanship

noun

Cite this Entry

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