competition

[ kom-pi-tish-uhn ]

noun

1. the act of competing; rivalry for supremacy, a prize, etc.:

   The competition between the two teams was bitter.

   Synonyms: emulation

2. a contest for some prize, honor, or advantage:

   Both girls entered the competition.

   Synonyms: struggle

3. the rivalry offered by a competitor:

   The small merchant gets powerful competition from the chain stores.

4. a competitor or competitors:

   What is your competition offering?

5. Sociology. rivalry between two or more persons or groups for an object desired in common, usually resulting in a victor and a loser but not necessarily involving the destruction of the latter.
6. Ecology. the struggle among organisms, both of the same and of different species, for food, space, and other vital requirements.

competition

/ ˌkɒmpɪˈtɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of competing; rivalry
2. a contest in which a winner is selected from among two or more entrants
3. a series of games, sports events, etc
4. the opposition offered by a competitor or competitors
5. a competitor or competitors offering opposition
6. ecology the struggle between individuals of the same or different species for food, space, light, etc, when these are inadequate to supply the needs of all

competition

/ kŏm′pĭ-tĭsh′ən /

1. The simultaneous demand by two or more organisms for limited environmental resources, such as nutrients, living space, or light.

Other Words From

• noncom·pe·tition adjective
• procom·pe·tition adjective
• super·compe·tition noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of competition¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Late Latin competītiōn-, stem of competītiō “agreement, rivalry,” from competīt(us) “agreed, met” (past participle of competere “to agree, come together, meet”; compete ( def ) ) + -iō -ion; sense influenced by competitor

Example Sentences

Among the issues they face are high energy costs, weaker than expected demand for electric cars and growing competition from Chinese manufacturers.

From BBC

The contestants of ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’ talk about how showing their emotions was a big part of the Hallmark reality competition series seeking a new leading man.

From Los Angeles Times

Amid cutthroat competition and price matching, Mr McDonnell believes the shopping experience is just as important as the price to keep pulling customers in.

From BBC

This fierce competition is now as keenly awaited as the Ashes.

From BBC

City sit second in this season's Premier League, five points behind leaders Liverpool, and are on a run of four successive defeats across all competitions.

From BBC

Related Words

• championship
• clash
• event
• fight
• game
• match
• meeting
• race
• rivalry
• sport
• struggle
• tournament
• trial