infighting

American  

[in-fahy-ting] / ˈɪnˌfaɪ tɪŋ /

noun

1. fighting at close range.

2. fighting between rivals, people closely associated, members of a group, etc.; internecine contention.

3. free-for-all fighting.

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infighting British  

/ ˈɪnˌfaɪtɪŋ /

noun

1. boxing combat at close quarters in which proper blows are inhibited and the fighters try to wear down each other's strength

2. intense competition, as between members of the same organization, esp when kept secret from outsiders

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Other Word Forms

• infighter noun

Etymology

Origin of infighting

First recorded in 1810–20; in- ¹ + fighting

Example Sentences

But the UFW is a shadow of its former self, marginalized by decades of infighting, bad decisions and what critics say is gross mismanagement.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Can we really not just laugh this off as a fun show of infighting on the too-online right?

From Slate • Feb. 27, 2026

Still, he compared their rivalry to the type of familial infighting that is often ultimately resolved.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

Analysts say this may indicate infighting within Georgian Dream's leadership, some of whom have been hit by Western sanctions.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

He’d always chafed against the traditions of Camp Jupiter, the power plays, the infighting.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• fighting
• rumble
• struggle