Gamesmanship (Noun)
Meaning
The use of dubious (although not technically illegal) methods to win a game.
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- The tennis player's questionable use of injury timeouts was seen by many as a deliberate example of gamesmanship to disrupt her opponent's rhythm.
- The coach's constant arguing with the referees was a classic case of gamesmanship designed to intimidate them into making favorable calls for his team.
- The politician's tendency to muddy the waters with irrelevant facts was a form of gamesmanship aimed at distracting her opponents and confusing the audience.
- The salesperson's use of high-pressure tactics to make a deal before the client had a chance to think was a prime example of gamesmanship in action.
- The athlete's refusal to shake hands with his opponent after losing was a petty display of gamesmanship that showcased his poor sportsmanship.