Noun

Singular competition

Plural countable and uncountable; plural competitions

competition (countable and uncountable; plural competitions)

1. (uncountable) The action of competing.

   The competition for this job is strong.

2. (countable) A contest for a prize or award.

   The newspaper is featuring a competition to win a car.

Derived terms

• economic competition

Competition is a combat between individuals, groups, nations, animals, etc. for territory, a niche, or allocation of resources. It arises whenever two or more parties strive for a goal which cannot be shared. Competition occurs naturally between living organisms which co-exist in the same environment. For example, animals compete over water supplies, food, and mates, etc. Humans compete for water, food, and mates, though when these needs are met deep rivalries often arise over the pursuit of wealth, prestige, and fame. Business is often associated with competition as most companies are in competition with at least one other firm over the same group of customers.

Competition may give incentives for self-improvement. For example, if two watchmakers are competing for business, they will hopefully improve their products and service to increase sales. If one watchmaker is more responsive to the needs of consumers, this watchmaker will flourish. If birds compete for a limited water supply during a drought, the more suited birds will survive to reproduce and improve the population.

Rivals will often refer to their competitors as "the competition". The term can also be used to refer to the contest or tournament itself.

Quotes on Competition, the rivalry of two or more parties over something. Competition occurs naturally between living organisms which coexist in the same environment. For example, animals compete over water supplies, food, and mates. In addition, humans compete for attention, wealth, prestige, and fame.

Unsourced

• To me, boxing is like a ballet, except there's no music, no choreography, and the dancers hit each other.
  • Jack Handy

• The more unfair competition, the better.
  • Milton Friedman, as quoted by Michael Ignatieff on the BBC Radio 4's program 20:20 (5 February 1997)

• Live daringly, boldly, fearlessly. Taste the relish to be found in competition — in having put forth the best within you
  • Henry J. Kaiser

• In business, the competition will bite you if you keep running; if you stand still, they will swallow you.
  • William S. Knudsen

• When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn.
  • Tom Landry

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