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Upstart: meaning, definitions and examples

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upstart

 

[ ˈʌpˌstɑːt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

ambitious

A person who has recently started a new activity, especially a business, and is trying to become successful quickly, often by ignoring the traditional way of doing things.

Synonyms

beginner, newcomer, novice

Examples of usage

  • He was dismissed as an upstart who wouldn't last long in the industry.
  • The upstart entrepreneur quickly gained a reputation for his bold ideas and innovative approach.
Context #2 | Noun

insolent

A person who behaves in an arrogant or presumptuous manner, especially towards those in authority.

Synonyms

cocky, impudent, insolent

Examples of usage

  • The young upstart was reprimanded for speaking out of turn during the meeting.
  • Don't let his upstart attitude fool you, he actually has a lot of experience in the field.

Translations

Translations of the word "upstart" in other languages:

🇵🇹 iniciador

🇮🇳 उभरता हुआ

🇩🇪 Emporkömmling

🇮🇩 pemula

🇺🇦 новачок

🇵🇱 młody przedsiębiorca

🇯🇵 新興企業

🇫🇷 débutant

🇪🇸 emprendedor

🇹🇷 girişimci

🇰🇷 신흥 기업가

🇸🇦 مبتدئ

🇨🇿 začátečník

🇸🇰 začínajúci podnikateľ

🇨🇳 新贵

🇸🇮 novinec

🇮🇸 nýgræðingur

🇰🇿 жаңа бастаушы

🇬🇪 ახალგაზრდა მეწარმე

🇦🇿 yeni başlayan

🇲🇽 emprendedor

Etymology

The word 'upstart' originated in the late 16th century from the combination of 'up' and 'start', suggesting someone who starts something new or rises abruptly. Originally used to describe plants that sprout up quickly, it later evolved to refer to people who are ambitious and eager to succeed, often with a connotation of arrogance or presumption.

See also: restart, startable, starter, starting, startle, startled.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,678, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.