For upper-intermediate learners — master nuanced vocabulary for analysing performance, tactics, rivalries, and sporting culture.
Free Sports & Competition vocabulary flashcards at the B2 level — all 35 words with definitions and examples. Study them with spaced repetition and recognize and use these words confidently in real conversations.
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perseverance
the quality of continuing to work hard despite difficulty or failure
resilience
the ability to recover quickly after a setback or defeat
consecutive
happening one after another without a break
unprecedented
never having happened or been done before
controversial
causing strong disagreement or debate among people
dominant
more powerful or successful than all others over a period
tactical
relating to careful plans made to gain an advantage in sport
proficiency
a high level of skill in a particular activity
benchmark
a standard used to measure or compare levels of achievement
rivalry
a long, intense competition between two opponents who are evenly matched
adversary
a person or team that competes against or opposes another in a contest
gruelling
extremely tiring and demanding over a long period
aggregate score
the combined total of goals or points from two legs of a tie
redemption
the act of making up for a past failure or defeat
accolade
an award or praise given in recognition of achievement
marginal gain
a very small improvement that contributes to a much bigger overall advantage
momentum shift
a sudden change in which side has the advantage during a game
conditioning
the process of training the body to reach peak physical fitness
tactical foul
a deliberate rule break made to stop a dangerous attack
clinical
very precise and effective in taking chances in a game
composure
the ability to stay calm and controlled under pressure
concede ground
to allow an opponent to gain an advantage during competition
gruelling schedule
a very demanding series of games or events over a short period
formidable
inspiring fear or respect because of being very powerful or capable
set piece
a planned move from a free kick, corner, or throw-in in football
demoralise
to cause someone to lose confidence or the will to keep competing
tenacious
refusing to give up and fighting hard throughout a competition
prolific
producing a large number of goals or points regularly
physicality
the strength and physical presence a player brings to a game
transfer window
a set period during which teams may buy and sell players
sporting integrity
the quality of competing honestly and following the spirit of the rules
narrow defeat
a loss by a very small margin of points or goals
high-stakes
involving very important or serious outcomes if you win or lose
press
a tactic of putting intense pressure on opponents to win the ball back quickly
veteran
an experienced player who has competed at the top level for many years