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.

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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

• non-competing
  noun
• non-competition
  noun

Example Sentences

Under a non-compete clause, she was prohibited from creating new fragrance or skincare lines until 2011.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 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

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

Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers discuss restaurant reservation resellers, the FTC’s new non-compete clause ban, and Biden’s rules for airline fees that make getting refunds easier than ever.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2024

Kassan waived his claim to nearly $10 million in severance so that he would not be held to a non-compete agreement with MediaLink, according to his lawsuit.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2024