Search Dictionary
Definition of gamesmanship

gamesmanship

/ˈɡeɪmz.mən.ʃɪp/
games · man · ship
JUMP TO:

gamesmanship Lexical Profile

gamesmanship Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The art or practice of winning games or contests by using dubious, psychological, or distracting tactics to unsettle an opponent without technically violating the rules.

Example

"Taking an unusually long break between serves was viewed by the commentators as a calculated piece of gamesmanship."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gamesmanship
Antonyms
View all antonyms for gamesmanship

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'gamesmanship' (using dubious or psychological ploys to gain an edge without technically breaking the rules) with 'sportsmanship' (fair, generous, and ethical behavior in competition).

• Nearby Words

gameplay
gamer
gameshow
gamesmanship
gamey
gamification
gamify

Word Origin & Etymology

Popularized in 1947 by British humorist Stephen Potter in his satirical book 'The Theory and Practice of Gamesmanship, or the Art of Winning Games Without Actually Cheating', formed on the model of 'sportsmanship'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gamesmanship. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gamesmanship
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.