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Synonyms

competition

American  
[kom-pi-tish-uhn] / ˌkɒm pɪˈtɪʃ ən /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

competition Scientific  
/ kŏm′pĭ-tĭshən /
  1. The simultaneous demand by two or more organisms for limited environmental resources, such as nutrients, living space, or light.


Other Word Forms

  • noncompetition adjective
  • procompetition adjective
  • supercompetition noun

Etymology

Origin of competition

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In nine weeks of competition, the Bruins have adapted and showed up for each other, but navigating the season requires a different level of work management.

From Los Angeles Times

After winning a competition to be an England mascot, he spent the days running up to England's meeting with Italy learning the words to the national anthem.

From BBC

But there are not many clubs in the competition Palace will fear.

From BBC

Daniel said, “It was good for her to have the competition.”

From Literature

Those U.S. tech big shots face increasing competition from overseas, particularly in China.

From MarketWatch