noun

competitor

kuhm-PET-ih-ter/kəmˈpetɪtər/

A person or thing competing against others.

Each competitor hopes to win the race on Saturday.

A focused South Asian woman runner stands ready beside other runners at race starting line, individual central competitor.

Etymology

comLatintogether

+petLatinto strive, seek

+itorLatinone who acts

The pieces suggest someone striving alongside others. That shared pursuit became rivalry: a competitor seeks the same prize or advantage as someone else.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain121:49

the up-to-date businessman is not content to build only for the present but is planning ahead if he does not he will fall behind his competitor

1900s Philosophy: Theron Q. Dumont - The Power of Concentration (Audiobook)

More examples

The bakery lowers its prices to attract customers from its competitors.
This budget laptop is a strong competitor to pricier models.
Only four competitors advance to the final round.

Forms

competitor · competitors

compete verb — To try to outperform other participants.

competition noun — An event in which participants compete.

Similar words

rival: Emphasizes an ongoing struggle for the same goal.
opponent: Identifies someone faced directly in a contest or conflict.
contender: Emphasizes having a chance to win a particular prize.