upstart

[ˈʌpstɑːt]

upstart Definition

a person who has recently started to have power or influence, especially one who behaves arrogantly or ambitiously.

Using upstart: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "upstart" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The upstart CEO made sweeping changes to the company's structure.

• Example

  The young politician was seen as an upstart by his more experienced colleagues.

• Example

  The upstart team surprised everyone by winning the championship.

• Example

  He was dismissed as an upstart with no real experience.

upstart Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for upstart

• parvenu
• arriviste
• pretender
• nouveau riche
• social climber

Antonyms for upstart

• veteran
• established
• old-timer

Idioms Using upstart

• knock an upstart down

  to humble or defeat someone who is behaving arrogantly or ambitiously

  Example

  The veteran player knocked the upstart down with a crushing defeat.

• upstart crow

  a derogatory term used to describe a new and inexperienced writer or artist who is seen as presumptuous

  Example

  The established writers dismissed the upstart crow as a talentless hack.

• upstart pretensions

  ambitious or arrogant aspirations that are seen as unwarranted or undeserved

  Example

  The critic mocked the artist's upstart pretensions, calling his work derivative and unoriginal.

Phrases with upstart

• upstart company

  a new and ambitious company that is challenging established players in the market

  Example

  The upstart company disrupted the industry with its innovative approach.

• upstart politician

  a new and ambitious politician who is challenging established candidates

  Example

  The upstart politician gained a following with his bold ideas and charismatic personality.

• upstart rival

  a new and ambitious competitor who is challenging established players in a particular field

  Example

  The upstart rival quickly gained market share with its aggressive pricing strategy.

Origins of upstart

from 'up' + 'start', meaning 'to move suddenly'

📌

Summary: upstart in Brief

The term 'upstart' [ˈʌpstɑːt] refers to a person who has recently gained power or influence, often with an arrogant or ambitious attitude. It can be applied to various contexts, such as business, politics, and sports, exemplified by 'The upstart team surprised everyone by winning the championship.' 'Upstart' extends into phrases like 'upstart company,' and idioms like 'knock an upstart down,' denoting a humbling defeat, and 'upstart pretensions,' implying unwarranted aspirations.