[1960–65; shortening of one-upmanship]This word is first recorded in the period 1960–65. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Pap test, buyback, parvovirus, proxemics, zip code
Examples of 'upmanship' in a sentence
upmanship
Inevitably, there were moments of spikiness, and the potential for one-upmanship.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
In fact, great teaching demands the ability to transcend alpha-male rivalries and petty one-upmanship.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
But in our new age of austerity, the global game of one-upmanship has changed.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The elaborate nomenclature was underpinned by one-upmanship.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Really, it's just the latest way we can indulge in one-upmanship.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Creativity isn't, or shouldn't be, about one-upmanship.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The only one-upmanship necessary is that of the ring.
The Times Literary Supplement (2016)
Pride and one-upmanship combined to create a mess.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
In the game of one-upmanship, however, the small gestures can be the most powerful.