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 of one-on-one

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

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

Brides will work one-on-one with their stylists to explore collections, discuss fit and place orders directly through the boutique. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 10 June 2026

While there isn’t enough time in the show for everyone to have a one-on-one experience with the dancer, watching an audience and cast member attempt to get in sync with each other underlines the night’s themes of connecting. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026

There are also one-on-one, 20-minute phone sessions with grief counselors. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026

If it is still tied after extra time, then the match goes to a penalty shootout, which means each team will send a player to try and score on the goalie one-on-one. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for one-on-one

• anyone
• everyone
• megaton
• overdone
• overrun
• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• handgun
• homespun
• outdone
• outrun