competition

[ kom-pi-tish-uhn ]

noun

1. the act of competing; rivalry for supremacy, a prize, etc.:

   The competition between the two teams was bitter.

   Synonyms: emulation

2. a contest for some prize, honor, or advantage:

   Both girls entered the competition.

   Synonyms: struggle

3. the rivalry offered by a competitor:

   The small merchant gets powerful competition from the chain stores.

4. a competitor or competitors:

   What is your competition offering?

5. Sociology. rivalry between two or more persons or groups for an object desired in common, usually resulting in a victor and a loser but not necessarily involving the destruction of the latter.
6. Ecology. the struggle among organisms, both of the same and of different species, for food, space, and other vital requirements.

competition

/ ˌkɒmpɪˈtɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of competing; rivalry
2. a contest in which a winner is selected from among two or more entrants
3. a series of games, sports events, etc
4. the opposition offered by a competitor or competitors
5. a competitor or competitors offering opposition
6. ecology the struggle between individuals of the same or different species for food, space, light, etc, when these are inadequate to supply the needs of all

competition

/ kŏm′pĭ-tĭsh′ən /

1. The simultaneous demand by two or more organisms for limited environmental resources, such as nutrients, living space, or light.

Other Words From

• noncom·pe·tition adjective
• procom·pe·tition adjective
• super·compe·tition noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of competition¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Late Latin competītiōn-, stem of competītiō “agreement, rivalry,” from competīt(us) “agreed, met” (past participle of competere “to agree, come together, meet”; compete ( def ) ) + -iō -ion; sense influenced by competitor

Example Sentences

I always believed that it was the purest level of competition.

From Los Angeles Times

The contest took place on Saturday in Birmingham city centre and follows the craze of celebrity doppelganger competitions currently sweeping the globe.

From BBC

He joined Bayern Munich at the start of last season and broke the Bundesliga scoring record in a single campaign, netting 36 goals - and 44 in all competitions.

From BBC

The controversial changes to the structure of this competition have not been kind to the Scots.

From BBC

I cursed at my phone, and a parent scolded me, gesturing at the youth competition team.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• championship
• clash
• event
• fight
• game
• match
• meeting
• race
• rivalry
• sport
• struggle
• tournament
• trial