competitor
Americannoun
noun
Synonym Usage
See opponent.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of competitor
First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin competītor “rival for an office,” equivalent to com- com- + petītor “seeker, claimant” ( see petitor)
Explanation
Competitors are rivals or contenders for the same thing. Two boxers in a ring are competitors, and so are restaurants located on the same block. When people compete (in sports, business, or elsewhere), they're trying to achieve the same goal and are therefore considered competitors. Two teams in the same sports division are competitors. Two politicians running for the same office are competitors. And even two guys courting the same gal are considered competitors. Competitors are out to win.
Vocabulary lists containing competitor
Vocabulary of the Summer Olympics
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Chapter 11: Industry and Immigration, Lessons 1–3
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List, Group, Label pre-reading exercise
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Whether it’s the senior analyst, the aging character actor, or the middling sports columnist at a financial newspaper, one must never underestimate a youthful competitor.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
Multiple-time “Survivor” competitor Cirie Fields won the inaugural season of “The Traitors.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
A few steps later I met Nick Mato, another suited dude whose footwear initially looked promising but turned out to be from a competitor brand.
From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026
Tinder is the most visited dating app, but over the past three years usage has been dropping and it's now only marginally ahead of nearest competitor Hinge.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
I think it really throws the other teams off to be challenged by a faceless competitor.
From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
