game
- noun
- /ɡeɪm/
- Many people feel that social media is just a game where we compete for attention.
- a mere game
- a trivial game
People get so stressed about this game, it's like it's not real.
- People get so stressed about this game, it's like it's not real.
- And he showed that these games were essentially nothing.
- One way or another, the game playing is pointless.
- But when you say fun and games, what does that mean?
Examples
-
He treats every meeting at work like a game, even though the issues are quite serious.
-
I'm not playing that game with you.
-
It's only a game anyway.
-
But if it was just a game, she could do something like that.
Fiction book (1995) -
You think this is fun and games?
-
It's just a big game.
-
People get so stressed about this game, it's like it's not real.
-
It is only a game.
-
It's just a game.
-
In her opinion, the committee's decision was just another game that didn't really matter.
Synonyms
Playful teasing that is not meant to hurt feelings
Light, silly behavior that is not serious
An activity for fun that should not be taken personally
An activity that is foolish and unlikely to succeed
Antonyms
Idioms
Compounds
A match where two teams try to score points by moving a ball into the other team's goal
A match between two teams of five players to score by throwing a ball through a high hoop
A game played with playing cards, for example poker, that often needs skill or luck
- UK
Two teams play on ice using sticks to move a small puck into the other team's goal
- Jargon
A series of plays in American football that move the ball by throwing to teammates
- Informal
People or groups say others caused a problem to avoid taking responsibility
A sport on a large outdoor course where players use clubs to hit a small ball into holes
- Specialized
A baseball game where the pitcher allows no player from the other team to reach base
A sports match played for practice or fun that does not count in official results
- Informal
A situation where people wait to see what others do to gain an advantage
A board game for two players who move pieces to trap the other player's king so it cannot move
A game where two teams use their hands to hit a ball over a net to land on opponents' side
A cheating street game where someone hides an object under cups and makes people guess where it is
- Jargon
A hockey penalty that removes a player for the rest of the game while the team may replace them
How Serious
Surface Forms
Etymology
Game meaning something not serious comes from the original 'play' sense; if it is 'just a game' it is for fun and not for worry. So saying 'this is no game' means it is serious, not play.