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non-compete

American  
[nahn-kuhm-peet] / ˌnɑn kəmˈpit /

noun

  1. Business. an agreement, contractual clause, or provision that binds one party to refrain from working for or with a competitor of the other.


adjective

  1. Business. relating to or constituting an agreement, contractual clause or provision that binds one party to refrain from working for or with a competitor of the other.

Other Word Forms

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.

See Examples For:

There are a couple of things that could make the non-compete “unreasonable” in the eyes of the court, says Evan Smithers, an attorney and human-resources consultant.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 21, 2026

In June 2023, the state legislature passed a law that banned non-compete agreements for nearly all employees regardless of salary.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 21, 2026

Lo had signed non-disclosure and non-compete agreements with TSMC, it said, and had told the firm's lawyer in his exit interview that he planned to join an "academic institution".

From Barron's ● Nov. 27, 2025

A statement by Ferrari said Cardile was "already violating the non-compete commitment with Ferrari".

From BBC ● Mar. 4, 2025

The bill, SF3035, mandates paid sick days, bans non-compete agreements, expands collective bargaining terms, gives more funding to workplace inspectors and increases safety protections for workers in nursing homes, warehouses, meatpacking plants and construction sites.

From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2024

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