Meaning & use

extreme sports

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ɪkˈstriːm ˌspɔːts/
US/ɪkˈstriːm ˌspɔːrts/

Meanings

  1. nounplural

    Sports that involve speed, height, or danger, such as snowboarding, surfing, or rock climbing.

    Grammar: Takes a plural verb: Extreme sports are exciting. For one activity, say 'an extreme sport'.

    Patterns

    • do extreme sports
    • take part in extreme sports
    • extreme sports such as ...

    Extreme sports like snowboarding and surfing attract millions of fans.

    He got into extreme sports after trying rock climbing on holiday.

    Safety gear is essential in extreme sports.

  2. nounsingular

    A single activity of this kind, often used before another noun.

    Grammar: Use the singular form before a noun: an extreme sports event.

    Patterns

    • an extreme sport
    • extreme sports event
    • extreme sports equipment

    Base jumping is one extreme sport that requires special training.

    The city hosted an extreme sports festival last summer.

Word forms

singularextreme sport

Common combinations

extreme sports enthusiast
My cousin is an extreme sports enthusiast who tries a new activity every year.
extreme sports event
The extreme sports event drew a huge crowd.
take up extreme sports
She took up extreme sports after college.
extreme sports equipment
Good extreme sports equipment can be expensive.

Synonyms and how they differ

adventure sports
A slightly softer term that emphasizes excitement and travel rather than danger.
action sports
Often used for sports like skateboarding and BMX; it focuses on style and tricks more than risk.
dangerous sports
A plain descriptive phrase rather than a category name; it sounds more negative.

Word family

extreme sport noun
One such activity.
extreme athlete noun
A person who takes part in extreme sports.

Commonly confused: extreme sports or extreme sport?

extreme sports vs extreme sport

Use the singular for one activity and the plural for the general category. 'Extreme sports is fun' is wrong; say 'Extreme sports are fun'.

Practice

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