competition
12 synonyms and 1 antonyms for competition, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A contest in which people or organizations try to win a prize or come out on top.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use competition
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Late Latin competitio, from competere, "to strive together."
Full origin of competition →Frequently asked questions
What does “competition” mean?
The word “competition” means a contest in which people or organizations try to win a prize or come out on top. In plain terms, a contest to win something, or the general rivalry between people or businesses trying to succeed.
How do you pronounce “competition”?
“Competition” is pronounced kom-puh-TIHSH-uhn (/ˌkɑm.pəˈtɪʃ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “competition” in a sentence?
Here is “competition” used in a sentence: “She entered the baking competition and won first prize.”
What is the opposite of “competition”?
The opposite of “competition” — its antonyms — is cooperation.
What part of speech is “competition”?
“Competition” is a noun.
Where does the word “competition” come from?
The word “competition” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin competitio, from competere, "to strive together.".
Is “competition” a common word?
“Competition” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between competition and competitiveness?
Competition is the contest itself — the situation where people or firms strive to win or outdo one another. Competitiveness is a quality: the drive to compete, or how well placed someone is to succeed in that contest. You take part in a competition; you show competitiveness in the way you approach it.
What are the types of competition?
Competition takes many forms: sporting contests, business rivalry for customers, academic prizes, talent shows, and elections, among others. Economists also grade markets from perfect competition, with many equal sellers, through to monopoly, where one dominates. What they share is two or more parties striving for an advantage others cannot all have.
Is competition good or bad?
It can be both. Healthy competition drives effort, innovation, and lower prices, pushing people and companies to improve. Taken too far, it can encourage stress, cutting corners, or unfair tactics. Most people see it as positive when the rules are fair and everyone has a genuine chance to win.
What is an example of competition?
Two coffee shops on the same street lowering prices to attract customers is everyday competition. So is a football league, a spelling contest, or several firms bidding for the same contract. In each case, more than one party wants something only some of them can have, so they strive to come out on top.