noun

competition

kahm-puh-TIH-shuhn/ˌkɑːmpəˈtɪʃn/

Rivalry among parties pursuing the same goal.

Competition is intense as the two tennis players face off.

A close tennis match between two adult athletes across net, Latina woman and Black woman, ball visible above net.

Etymology

comLatintogether

+petLatinseek, strive

+itionLatinaction or process

“Together” and “strive” here describe people seeking the same thing alongside one another. That shared pursuit became rivalry, giving competition its sense of a contest to gain something others also want.

In context

BNW Bistro4:40

this photo has been selected as one of the featured entries and is shortlisted to win their competition

“The Black And White Bistro Show” Episode 14 Featuring Monochrome Photographer Matthew Kennerley

More examples

Competition among local stores helps keep prices low.
There is fierce competition for the few available jobs.
The siblings enjoy friendly competition over who reads more books.

Forms

competition

compete verb — Try to succeed against others.

competitive adjective — Eager to succeed by defeating others.

Similar words

rivalry: Often suggests an ongoing relationship between particular opponents.
race: Suggests urgency to reach a goal before others do.