tossup: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Informal (primarily spoken, journalism, sports commentary)
Quick answer
What does “tossup” mean?
A situation where two or more outcomes are equally likely.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A situation where two or more outcomes are equally likely; a matter of pure chance.
An even chance or uncertain result. Originates from the practice of tossing a coin to decide something, where the outcome is unpredictable. Can refer to an evenly matched contest or a decision made arbitrarily.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'toss-up' (with a hyphen) is more common in British English, while 'tossup' (closed form) is slightly more frequent in American English. Both forms are understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical in both dialects. No significant connotative difference.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, particularly in sports journalism and political analysis. Common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “tossup” in a Sentence
It's a tossup (between X and Y).The match/election is a tossup.Consider it a tossup.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tossup” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- It was a toss-up decision in the end.
- The toss-up seat could go to either party.
American English
- It was a toss-up call by the referee.
- Several states are considered toss-up races in the election.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used when two competing bids, strategies, or market outcomes are seen as equally probable.
Academic
Rare in formal writing; may appear in statistical or probabilistic discussions about equally likely events.
Everyday
Common in conversation to express uncertainty between two choices or outcomes (e.g., which restaurant to choose, who will win a game).
Technical
Not typical. In probability, 'equiprobable outcome' or 'Bernoulli trial' would be used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tossup”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tossup”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tossup”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will tossup a coin' – incorrect; correct: 'I will toss up a coin').
- Spelling as two words when used as a noun (incorrect: 'toss up'; correct noun: 'tossup' or 'toss-up').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'tossup' and the hyphenated 'toss-up' are accepted, with 'toss-up' being slightly more common in formal writing. The one-word form is increasingly used, especially in American English.
No. The noun 'tossup' comes from the phrasal verb 'to toss up' (as in tossing a coin). You 'toss up a coin' to decide a 'tossup'.
A 'draw' or 'tie' is a result where competitors finish with an equal score. A 'tossup' describes the situation *before* the result, when the outcome is unpredictable and the chances are even.
It is informal. In formal or academic writing, alternatives like 'an even chance', 'an uncertain outcome', or 'equiprobable event' are preferred.
A situation where two or more outcomes are equally likely.
Tossup: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɒs.ʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɑːs.ʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “too close to call, it's a tossup”
- “a toss of the coin”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a referee TOSSing a coin UP in the air before a game. A TOSSUP is any situation that's as unpredictable as that coin in the air.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECISION/OUTCOME IS A COIN TOSS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'tossup' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?