gamesmanship
/ˈɡeɪmzmənʃɪp/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡeɪmzmənʃɪp/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgāmz-mən-ˌship/ (ame, mw)
gamesmanship — noun
1. behaviour in a game or competition that is meant to upset or distract an opponen
behaviour in a game or competition that is meant to upset or distract an opponent so you gain an advantage — for example, staring at them, talking during their turn, or arriving late — without actually breaking any rules
Adaeze used gamesmanship by coughing loudly whenever her opponent lined up a shot.
collocation: use gamesmanship
It was pure gamesmanship when Dimitri arrived ten minutes late and refused to warm up.
Ingrid accused her rival of gamesmanship for talking loudly during her free throws.
Before the final dart throw, Oluwaseun stared at the board for two minutes — classic gamesmanship.
Coach Rashid said nothing while his striker retied both shoelaces twice before the corner kick.
- mind games
more informal; used in everyday situations as well as sport
- psychological warfare
much stronger; typically used for military or serious conflict
- unsportsmanlike conduct
broader — can include actual rule-breaking as well as legal but unfair behaviour
- sportsmanship
fair, respectful, and generous behaviour towards opponents
用法筆記
Distinguish from 'cheating': gamesmanship does not break any written rules, even though it may feel unfair. It works by affecting the opponent's mental state rather than by illegal actions.