upstart
upstart Lexical Profile
upstart Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person or organization that has risen suddenly to wealth, power, or high social status, especially one who behaves arrogantly or presumptuously.
"The aristocratic families viewed the self-made industrialist as a mere upstart who lacked the refinement required for high society."
• adjective
Newly and suddenly risen to prominence, wealth, or power, especially in a way perceived as presumptuous, arrogant, or undeserving.
"The established publishing houses initially dismissed the upstart digital magazine, only to see it dominate the industry within a decade."
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-16th century from the elements 'up' and 'start' (in the older sense of leaping or springing up suddenly), originally describing someone who had abruptly risen from humble beginnings to wealth or power.