noun

brinkmanship

BRINK-mun-ship

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Brinkmanship (noun) means the practice of pushing a dangerous situation to the edge in order to gain an advantage, rather than backing down. Example: “Both governments engaged in brinkmanship during the standoff.”

noun

The practice of pushing a dangerous situation to the edge in order to gain an advantage, rather than backing down.

"Both governments engaged in brinkmanship during the standoff."

"Union leaders accused the company of brinkmanship in the final hours of the talks."

"Political brinkmanship nearly shut down the government."

How to use brinkmanship

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTaking a risky standoff right to the edge to win.

When to use it

It is used mostly in politics, diplomacy and negotiations, and it often sounds critical.

Memory tip

Brinkmanship is usually uncountable, so say engage in brinkmanship rather than a brinkmanship.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

nuclear brinkmanship political brinkmanship engage in brinkmanship a game of brinkmanship

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Can you complete this real example?

Both governments engaged in _____ during the standoff.

Etymology

The word was formed in English from brink, meaning an edge or border, plus the suffix -manship, which names a skill or involvement in some area.

Origin: English

Rhymes for brinkmanship

penmanship workmanship showmanship guardianship marksmanship sportsmanship craftsmanship swordsmanship

See all rhymes for brinkmanship →

Frequently asked questions

What does brinkmanship mean?

Brinkmanship is the tactic of pushing a risky situation close to the point of disaster so the other side gives in first.

Is brinkmanship spelled brinksmanship?

Both spellings are used. Brinksmanship is an alternative form of the same word.

What is an example of brinkmanship?

A government threatening a dangerous policy and refusing to back down in order to force the other side to concede is an example of brinkmanship.

What is the meaning of brinkmanship?

"brinkmanship" (noun) means the practice of pushing a dangerous situation to the edge in order to gain an advantage, rather than backing down.