WordGarden.iocompetitive
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kəmpˈɛtɪtˌɪv/
US
- /kəmˈpɛtətɪv/
Meanings
Adjective
involving contests or rivalry in which people or teams try to win
strongly wanting to win or be more successful than others
able to match or beat rivals in price, quality, or attractiveness
Beyond the definition
Being competitive means having a strong desire to win or be the best. It's not always about sports! You can be competitive in school, at work, and even when playing board games with your family. Think of two squirrels racing for the same nut—that's competitive behavior! While healthy competition can motivate you to improve, too much competitiveness can lead to stress and strained relationships. A competitive spirit isn't necessarily a bad thing; it just means you enjoy challenges and pushing yourself to succeed. You might also describe a job market as "highly competitive," meaning many qualified people are competing for the same limited positions. And in business, a "competitive price" or "competitive salary" is one that is as good as (or better than) what others are offering.
The word "competitive" describes something characterized by rivalry or a strong desire to achieve success, often in relation to others. It stems from the Latin competere, meaning "to strive together." While we often associate it with athletic contests—a competitive swimmer or a competitive game of tennis—competitiveness extends far beyond the playing field.
In a professional context, a "competitive environment" describes a workplace where employees are encouraged to outperform one another to drive results. In commerce, a "competitive price" is one that is considered fair or advantageous when compared to those offered by rivals, making it attractive to customers. You can also be competitive as a personality trait—possessing an internal drive for achievement and a desire to excel. This isn't always about defeating others; it can simply mean striving for personal bests and refusing to settle for mediocrity.
However, the word also carries a nuance of opposition. A "competitive advantage" is a specific strength or resource that sets you apart from your rivals, giving you a distinct edge. Terms like "cutthroat competition" suggest an intense, aggressive rivalry that might even border on unethical behavior. Ultimately, whether describing a marketplace, a personality trait, or the spirit of a game, "competitive" implies a striving for excellence in the face of opposition—a desire to measure up, outperform, and succeed.
Examples
- 1
Personality
She’s very competitive and hates losing, even in card games.
- 2
Sports team
Even with two injured players, our team was still competitive.
- Phrasebe competitive
be good enough to compete seriously
- 3
Job offer
The company offers a competitive salary and flexible hours.
- Phrasecompetitive salary
pay that compares well with similar jobs
- 4
Prices
Their prices are competitive with the big supermarket chains.
- Patterncompetitive with + rival/option
as good as another option, especially in price
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Industry market
The hotel industry has become much more competitive in recent years.
- 6
Retail competition
Small local shops are finding it hard to stay competitive against online retailers.
- Phrasestay competitive
continue to succeed compared with others
- 7
Program admission
Her application was rejected because the program is highly competitive.
- Phrasehighly competitive
hard to enter because many people want it
- 8
Business strategy
Faster delivery gives the company a competitive advantage.
- Phrasecompetitive advantage
something that helps a business do better than others
See also
Similar
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- competitive advantage
- competitive edge
- competitive price
Word family
Explore
- rivalry
- market positioning
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- competitiveadjective