single-elimination tournament
One loss, out
A single-elimination tournament is a competition format where a loss removes you from the bracket.
Winners advance to face other winners until only one remains undefeated—the champion.
The format is efficient but unforgiving: They lost in the first round of the single-elimination tournament and went home.
Also called knockout or sudden-death tournament.
Support or category
pairing · matchup · quarterfinal · semifinal · final · head-to-head · one-and-done · March Madness
Competition for top rank
- titleFormal honorific or name
- trophyAward for winning
- prizeReward for winning
- gloryExalted honor and praise
prestige · winner-take-all · do-or-die · sudden death · pressure · tension · decisive · climax
Disturb, topple, or shock
- underdogPresumed loser beforehand
- favoriteMost liked option
- CinderellaRags-to-riches heroine
- advanceMove or progress forward
oust · defeat · victory · challenger · contender · opponent · duel · clash
Disturb, topple, or shock
- Cinderella storyImprobable rise to victory
- buzzer-beaterScore at the horn
- nail-biterSuspensefully close competition
- comebackRecovery after decline
clutch · thriller · heartbreak · choke · momentum · edge-of-seat · unpredictable · giant-killer
bracket
Support or category
draw · pairing · matchup · quarterfinal · semifinal · final · head-to-head · one-and-done · March Madness · knockout stage
championship
Competition for top rank
glory · prestige · winner-take-all · do-or-die · sudden death · pressure · tension · decisive · climax · pinnacle
upset
Disturb, topple, or shock
- underdogPresumed loser beforehand
- favoriteMost liked option
- CinderellaRags-to-riches heroine
advance · oust · defeat · victory · challenger · contender · opponent · duel · clash · rivalry
upset
Disturb, topple, or shock
- Cinderella storyImprobable rise to victory
- buzzer-beaterScore at the horn
- nail-biterSuspensefully close competition
comeback · clutch · thriller · heartbreak · choke · momentum · edge-of-seat · unpredictable · giant-killer
single-elimination tournamentregular season
Standard competitive period before playoffs
single, elimination, tournament, singly, singles, singled, singling, singular, singularity