compete
verb (used without object)
to strive to outdo another for acknowledgment, a prize, supremacy, profit, etc.; engage in a contest; vie: to compete in business.
had competed
-
past perfectof compete.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
The Ukrainian had it all to lose against an opponent who had competed only once in boxing, although he carried a formidable record from kickboxing.
From BBC ● May 24, 2026
And no one of any age had competed on the World Cup tour on a rebuilt knee.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 31, 2026
Aguilar gained one final season of eligibility after quarterback Diego Pavia won a court challenge to grant additional eligibility for players who had competed at the junior college level.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 29, 2024
The 19-year-old stopped Demsey McKean in one round on Saturday in a hugely impressive performance against a man who had competed in over 100 more rounds and 14 more fights than him.
From BBC ● Dec. 23, 2024
It was possible considering I had competed in dozens of World Cups.
From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
