下剋上(げこくじょう)

げこくじょう
noun
overthrowing one's superiors
societyhistory
1. overthrowing one's superiors; the lower overthrowing the higher
A situation where those of lower rank overthrow or surpass those above them. Originally a historical term describing the social upheaval of Japan's Sengoku period, now used broadly for any upset where an underdog defeats a favorite.
下剋上(げこくじょう)が起(お)きた。
An upset occurred.
新人(しんじん)チームが優勝(ゆうしょう)して下剋上(げこくじょう)を果(は)たした。
The rookie team won the championship and pulled off a major upset.
戦国時代(せんごくじだい)は下剋上(げこくじょう)の時代(じだい)と呼(よ)ばれ、家臣(かしん)が主君(しゅくん)を倒(たお)すことも珍(めずら)しくなかった。
The Sengoku period is called an era of gekokujou, and it was not unusual for vassals to overthrow their lords.

Usage

Originally a historical term describing the social phenomenon of the Sengoku period (15th-16th century) when lower-ranking warriors seized power from their superiors. In modern usage, it commonly describes upset victories in sports, business, or competitions.

Forms

下(げ) (lower) + 剋(こく) (to overcome) + 上(じょう) (upper). Also written 下克上(げこくじょう).

Common collocations

general
Added 2026.2.16 10:06 · Revised 2026.10.18 21:42
11000/11344_gekokujou