competitive

adjective

com·​pet·​i·​tive kəm-ˈpe-tə-tiv How to pronounce competitive (audio)
1
: relating to, characterized by, or based on competition
competitive sports
a competitive marketplace
2
: inclined, desiring, or suited to compete
a competitive personality
competitive interest rates
3
: depending for effectiveness on the relative concentration of two or more substances
competitive inhibition of an enzyme
competitively adverb
competitiveness noun

Examples of competitive in a Sentence

She is a very competitive player. You need a degree to be competitive in today's job market.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Considering the short window between series, MLB obviously would need to have this all planned out — from both a logistical and competitive perspective — well ahead of time. Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025 But, the spirit of competitive excellence from his team has fueled an unquenchable thirst . Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025 While the situation was resolved quickly, the unexpected presence of a pet left behind—albeit temporarily—offered a humorous contrast to the stress many face trying to purchase homes in today's competitive housing market in the United States. Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025 The 2008 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest was a turning point in Chestnut's career — and one of the most dramatic moments in competitive eating history. Jordan Greene, People.com, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for competitive

Word History

Etymology

see competition

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of competitive was in 1829

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Competitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competitive. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

competitive

adjective
com·​pet·​i·​tive kəm-ˈpet-ət-iv How to pronounce competitive (audio)
: relating to, characterized by, or based on competition
competitive sports
competitive bidding
competitively adverb
competitiveness noun

Medical Definition

competitive

adjective
com·​pet·​i·​tive kəm-ˈpet-ət-iv How to pronounce competitive (audio)
: depending for effectiveness on the relative concentration of two or more substances
competitive inhibition of an enzyme
competitive protein binding
competitively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on competitive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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