sportsmanship

[ spawrts-muhn-ship, spohrts- ]

noun

1. the character, practice, or skill of a sportsman.
2. sportsmanlike conduct, as fairness, courtesy, being a cheerful loser, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sportsmanship¹

First recorded in 1735–45; sportsman + -ship

Example Sentences

Just one day after Chris Pratt penned a rambling op-ed for his mother-in-law's paper about the importance of sportsmanship this election, Donald Trump and JD Vance spent their last night on the campaign trail slinging insults and threats at Kamala Harris while at separate rallies on Monday night.

From Salon

The Padres fans were, instead, the portrait of strength and sportsmanship, roaring and waving yellow towels until finally howling themselves hoarse when Tanner Scott struck out Shohei Ohtani looking in the eighth inning to end the Dodgers’ best last chance.

From Los Angeles Times

“The expectation is always good sportsmanship,” Lagos said.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s not fun to deal with the consequences when fights happen and sportsmanship is ignored.

From Los Angeles Times

South Korea's Tom Kim accused his American opponents of poor sportsmanship and swearing at him as tensions flared once again at the Presidents Cup in Montreal.

From BBC

Related Words

• fairness
• honesty
• sincerity
• virtue