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Definition of brinkmanship

brinkmanship

/ˈbrɪŋk.mən.ʃɪp/
(UK: brinkmanship)
brink · man · ship
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brinkmanship Lexical Profile

brinkmanship Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The art or practice of pursuing a dangerous policy to the limits of safety before stopping, especially in politics or international diplomacy, in order to secure the greatest advantage.

Example

"The prolonged budget negotiations were a classic display of political brinkmanship, with both parties waiting until the final hour to reach a compromise."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Also spelled 'brinksmanship', particularly in North American English, though 'brinkmanship' remains the standard form in political science and international relations.

• Nearby Words

bringer
brinjal
brink
brinkmanship
briny
brioche
briquette

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1956 by American politician Adlai Stevenson II, blending 'brink' and 'gamesmanship' to critique U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles's Cold War statement about the art of going to the brink of war without getting into it.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Brinkmanship. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/brinkmanship
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