infighting

American  

[in-fahy-ting] / ˈɪnˌfaɪ tɪŋ /

noun

1. fighting fighting at close range.

2. fighting fighting between rivals, people closely associated, members of a group, etc.; internecine contention.

3. free-for-all fighting. fighting.

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infighting British  

/ ˈɪnˌfaɪtɪŋ /

noun

1. boxing combat at close quarters in which proper blows are inhibited and the fighters try to wear down each other's strength

2. intense competition, as between members of the same organization, esp when kept secret from outsiders

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Other Word Forms

• infighter noun

Etymology

Origin of infighting

First recorded in 1810–20; in- ¹ + fighting

Example Sentences

So far, investors have focused more on the firm’s strong performance than on the infighting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The Scottish Greens are hoping for their best election result ever at the upcoming Holyrood election, but have suffered bouts of infighting recently.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

But the UFW is a shadow of its former self, marginalized by decades of infighting, bad decisions and what critics say is gross mismanagement.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Can we really not just laugh this off as a fun show of infighting on the too-online right?

From Slate • Feb. 27, 2026

After inevitable bureaucratic infighting and logistics problems, the Global Fund money—$1+ million for the central plateau, spread over five years—became available.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Related Words

• fighting
• rumble
• struggle