adjective
competitive
Involving rivalry or a strong desire to succeed against others.
Even a friendly board game brings out her competitive side.
Etymology
The Latin verb includes striving together for the same thing. Competitive describes the rivalry that follows when several participants pursue a success they cannot all equally secure.
More examples
- Admission to this college is highly competitive.
- My competitive brother hates losing, even at miniature golf.
- She enjoys competitive swimming but dislikes the pressure to win.
Forms
competitive · more competitive · most competitive
competitiveness noun — A strong desire to outperform others.
competitively adverb — In a way that involves rivalry.
Similar words
- ambitious
- Emphasizes strong goals rather than a desire to beat others.
- cutthroat
- Describes ruthless rivalry with little concern for other people.