noun

upstart

UHP-staht

noun

Someone who has suddenly risen to wealth, power, or status and hasn't yet earned proper social acceptance, or who acts arrogant about it.

"The old partners resented the young upstart who took over the firm."

"Critics dismissed her as an upstart, ignoring how hard she'd worked to get there."

adj

Acting self-important or presumptuous, especially given a short time in a position.

"His upstart attitude annoyed colleagues who had been there for decades."

How to Use Upstart

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone (or something) that has risen fast and hasn't earned respect for it yet — often used with a dismissive edge.

Common mistake

Almost always carries a slightly negative or dismissive tone, even when used as a plain description.

Common pairings

an upstart company a young upstart dismissed as an upstart

more upstart comparative, upstarted past tense, upstarts plural, upstarts singular, most upstart superlative

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The old partners resented the young _____ who took over the firm.

From Middle English upstarten, "to spring up" — built from up + start, since an upstart seems to appear suddenly from nowhere.

arriviste nouveau riche parvenu

arriviste nouveau riche parvenu