1 C1 idiomatic informal
To eagerly seek a promotion or higher rank, especially by performing conspicuously well or currying favor.
"Everyone in the office knows he's bucking for the regional manager position."
buck for
C1 informal transitive
To work hard or behave in a particular way in order to gain a promotion, reward, or advantage.
In plain English
To try really hard to get a promotion or a better position at work.
What does "buck for" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Primarily used in American English, especially in military or professional workplace contexts. Has a slightly competitive or self-serving connotation.
Words that pair with "buck for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
promotion raise position rank sergeant management
How to conjugate "buck for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
buck for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bucks for
he/she/it
Past simple
bucked for
yesterday
Past participle
bucked for
have + pp
-ing form
bucking for
continuous
Hear "buck for" in the wild
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Other ways to say "buck for"
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