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

Two other schools have top teams to create what could be outstanding competition for the Southern Section Open Division playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times

Putt launched a review, which has concluded that "there are exceptional grounds in which an award won in competition should be reviewed and possibly rescinded".

From BBC

Lest anyone think the bowling event is just a party, Trunk — who also bowls in the tournament — says some of the participants take the competition very seriously.

From Los Angeles Times

I thought that was a nice nod to surfing being in the Olympics — I was blown away by the surfing competition in this last Olympics, in Teahupo’o, and how amazing it was.

From Los Angeles Times

The tie-up will see the firms sharing critical technology at a time of slowing global demand for electric cars and increased competition from Chinese rivals.

From BBC

Related Words

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