positional treadmill
noun phraseA metaphor for competing to maintain relative standing, so greater effort brings little improvement in one's position.
Competition to maintain rank
Related expressions
THE WORDCRAFT REFERENCE SHELF
Synonym Dictionary
Find the right alternative. Search original words, aliases, meanings, synonyms, and related expressions. Compare each choice in its intended sense.
10 entries matching "ill" / Letter P / Showing 1-10
Clear all filtersparsimonious
adjectiveExtremely unwilling to spend or use resources, often excessively so.
Excessively unwilling to spend
Closest synonyms
peripheral
adjectiveAt the edge or less central to the main subject.
pervade
verbTo spread throughout or be present in every part.
perverse
adjectiveDeliberately contrary to what is expected or reasonable; also contrary in an unexpected way.
Deliberately contrary
Closest synonyms
More alternatives and senses in the full reference.
precipitous
adjectiveIn action, excessively hasty; also very steep.
Excessively hasty
Closest synonyms
More alternatives and senses in the full reference.
premeditated
adjectivePlanned or considered in advance, especially before a wrongful act.
pretension
nounAn attempt or claim to seem more important, skilled, or impressive than warranted.
Unwarranted display of importance
Closest synonyms
proficient
adjectiveCompetent and skilled in a particular activity.
prowess
nounExceptional skill or ability in a particular activity.
The headwords are the original WordCraft collection. Related alternatives can include words outside that collection. Open a full reference to compare the sense and usage note.