infighting

noun

in·​fight·​ing ˈin-ˌfī-tiŋ 

1

: prolonged and often bitter dissension or rivalry among members of a group or organization

bureaucratic infighting

2

: rough-and-tumble fighting

3

: fighting or boxing at close quarters

infight

ˈin-ˌfīt 

intransitive verb

infighter

ˈin-ˌfī-tər 

noun

Synonyms of infighting

• discord
• strife
• friction
• conflict
• discordance
• war
• schism
• warfare
• discordancy
• dissent
• division

Examples of infighting in a Sentence

continued infighting has just completely robbed that political action committee of its effectiveness

Recent Examples on the Web

Many researchers today, especially early- and mid-career researchers frustrated by the infighting, are eager for new, better ideas. — Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 12 Nov. 2026

The infighting at Delfin is also a warning to Italy’s legions of family firms facing generational change, Carlo Verdone, head of the industrial association Federitaly, told The Times. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 12 Nov. 2026

The competing visions from potential presidential contenders offer an early glimpse of the Republican infighting ahead of 2028. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026

DeSantis' 2024 campaign was marred by political infighting that drew national attention and was complicated by overspending despite receiving immense donor support. — Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for infighting

• alighting
• backbiting
• bullfighting
• daylighting
• delighting
• exciting
• firefighting
• handwriting
• highlighting
• igniting
• inciting
• indicting