competition

noun

com·​pe·​ti·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈti-shən 

1

: the act or process of competing : rivalry: such as

a

: the effort of two or more parties acting independently to secure the business of a third party by offering the most favorable terms

contractors in competition for the contract to build the new school

b

: active demand by two or more organisms or kinds of organisms for some environmental resource in short supply

the interspecies competition for food

2

: a contest between rivals

a gymnastics competition

also : one's competitors

faced tough competition

Synonyms

• bout
• contest
• event
• game
• match
• matchup
• meet
• sweepstakes
• sweep-stake
• tournament
• tourney

Example Sentences

Prices are lower when there is competition among the stores.

Don't let the competition know our trade secrets.

They had a competition to see who could sell the most lemonade.

Recent Examples on the Web

On-site registration — $10 per person per event — starts at 10 a.m. and competition begins at 11 a.m. Contact Kenny Perez at 623-332-8632, [e-mail]. —Kimi Robinson, The Arizona Republic, 14 Jan. 2023

There will also be a pho-eating competition and costume contests for children and pets. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2023

But the squad could return to competition next Tuesday to play Rockford University, Gnan wrote. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2023

Khan answers by citing Congress’ original intent for the FTC to ensure competition. —WIRED, 13 Jan. 2023

The competition winner will receive a grand prize from Apple Music, which will include support and exposure on the platform. —Ej Panaligan, Variety, 13 Jan. 2023

The move aims to bolster demand as Tesla faces falling sales amid recession fears and heightened competition, some analysts and investors said. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Jan. 2023

Berlin will unveil its full competition line up on Jan. 23. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2023

With winter break coming to a close, McDaniel Athletics looks to start off the new semester with some new competition. —Emily Hollwedel, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin competition-, competitio, from Latin competere — see compete

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing competition

• the competition
• in competition with

• the competition
• in competition with

Kids Definition

competition

noun

com·​pe·​ti·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈtish-ən 

1

: the act or process of competing

2

a

: a contest between rivals

b

: rivalry

c

: an individual or group one is competing against

look over the competition

3

: the effort of persons or firms to attract business by offering the most favorable terms

4

: the active seeking after and use of an environmental resource (as food) in limited supply by two or more plants or animals or kinds of plants and animals