one-on-one

adjective or adverb

ˌwən-ȯn-ˈwən 

ˌwən-än-

1

: playing directly against a single opposing player

2

: involving a direct encounter between one person and another

Synonyms

• eyeball-to-eyeball
• face-to-face
• head-on
• head-to-head
• mano a mano
• toe-to-toe

Examples of one-on-one in a Sentence

bragged that no one could go one-on-one with her in a game of darts and win

Recent Examples on the Web

Regular one-on-one meetings, team discussions, and anonymous surveys can help. —Gena Cox, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

Reflect on your one-on-one connections and what needs to come into balance. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024

Yet, the program — which provides one-on-one training and mentorship as well as art supplies, learning spaces and so much more — is operating at a substantial deficit. —Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 21 Dec. 2024

That forces Barcelona wide in frame two, but with the left-winger (Raphinha) already tucked inside and without an overlapping run for support, Balde is one-on-one with his opposite full-back and doesn’t feel comfortable taking him on. —Thom Harris, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1