politicking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Journalistic, Critical
Quick answer
What does “politicking” mean?
engaging in political activity, especially of a self-serving, tactical, or showy nature, rather than focusing on substantial policy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
engaging in political activity, especially of a self-serving, tactical, or showy nature, rather than focusing on substantial policy.
The act of campaigning, canvassing, or maneuvering for political power or influence. Often implies time spent on the superficial, public, or strategic aspects of politics rather than on governance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are virtually identical. Slightly more common in American political commentary.
Connotations
Consistently carries a potentially critical or dismissive tone in both varieties, suggesting activity over substance.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, but more likely encountered in political analysis contexts in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “politicking” in a Sentence
[Subject] is/are [verb] politickingThe [noun] of politickingto engage in politickingto be accused of politickingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “politicking” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He spent the week politicking in marginal constituencies rather than attending parliament.
American English
- Instead of legislating, they've been politicking full-time to secure their committee seats.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically for office politics or strategic positioning within a corporation (e.g., 'We need less internal politicking and more focus on the product').
Academic
Found in political science texts, often analyzing the gap between political rhetoric/activity and substantive outcomes.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Used by politically engaged individuals commenting on perceived insincerity in politics.
Technical
Not a technical term. Used descriptively in political journalism and commentary.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “politicking”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “politicking”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “politicking”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a politicking'). It is uncountable. Confusing it with the neutral 'politics'. Using it in a positive context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most often used with a negative or critical connotation, implying that the political activity is superficial, tactical, or self-serving rather than genuine or substantive.
Yes, the related verb is 'to politick' (e.g., 'He's out politicking today'). However, the noun 'politicking' is more common.
'Politics' is the broad, neutral field of governance and political life. 'Politicking' refers specifically to the active, and often criticized, engagement in political activity for gain.
It is moderately formal and is most at home in journalistic, academic, or critical discourse. It is not typically used in very casual conversation.
engaging in political activity, especially of a self-serving, tactical, or showy nature, rather than focusing on substantial policy.
Politicking: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɒl.ɪ.tɪk.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑː.lə.tɪk.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All politicking and no policy.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'POLITICKING' as 'POLITICS' + 'KING' – someone acting like they're playing a game to be king of politics, not to serve.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS IS A GAME/SPORT (with tactics, players, and winners/losers).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common connotation of 'politicking'?