Definition of Competitive
The word competitive is an adjective that describes a situation, person, or environment characterized by rivalry, ambition, or the desire to win or be superior. It is often used in contexts such as business, sports, academics, and economics.
Example Sentences
- Sarah has a competitive spirit and always strives to be the best in her field.
- The market for smartphones is highly competitive, with numerous brands vying for dominance.
- John’s competitive nature drives him to train harder every day.
- Companies must adopt competitive pricing strategies to attract more customers.
- The university has a competitive admission process due to the high number of applicants.
Synonyms of Competitive
Synonyms can be categorized based on their strength of meaning and contextual relevance.
Strongest Matches (Most Similar in Meaning)
- Ambitious – Having a strong desire for success or achievement.
- Cutthroat – Extremely ruthless or aggressive in competition.
- Rivalrous – Inclined to compete or engage in rivalry.
- Combative – Ready or eager to fight or argue.
- Hard-fought – Gained with a lot of effort and struggle.
- Dog-eat-dog – A situation characterized by ruthless competition.
- Aggressive – Forceful, determined, and competitive.
Strong Matches (Closely Related but with Slight Variations)
- Challenging – Demanding effort and skill, often in a competitive sense.
- Driven – Highly motivated to achieve goals.
- Opposing – Competing against another party.
- Strategic – Carefully planned to gain an advantage.
- Tactical – Relating to short-term competitive maneuvers.
- Enterprising – Showing initiative and willingness to take risks.
Weak Matches (Loosely Related)
- Energetic – Full of enthusiasm and vitality, sometimes linked to competitiveness.
- Innovative – Introducing new ideas to gain a competitive edge.
- Persistent – Continuing firmly despite challenges.
- Determined – Showing firmness and resolve.
- Focused – Paying close attention to goals and results.
Contextual Usage of Competitive
1. Business & Economics:
- Companies strive for a competitive advantage to dominate their industries.
- The competitive landscape in e-commerce has evolved rapidly.
2. Sports & Games:
- A competitive athlete trains rigorously to outperform rivals.
- The tournament featured highly competitive teams.
3. Academics & Education:
- The scholarship program is very competitive, with only a few spots available.
- Students often take competitive exams to secure admission.
4. Job Market & Careers:
- Having a strong resume helps in a competitive job market.
- The salary offered is competitive with industry standards.
5. Technology & Innovation:
- Tech giants engage in competitive research to lead the market.
- A competitive product requires constant updates and improvements.
Related Words
- Competition (noun) – The act of competing.
- Competitor (noun) – A person or entity competing against another.
- Competitiveness (noun) – The quality of being competitive.
- Compete (verb) – To strive against others for a goal.
- Market competitiveness (phrase) – The degree to which a company performs against rivals.
Additional Information
- Antonyms: Noncompetitive, indifferent, passive, unambitious.
- Etymology: Derived from the Latin word competere, meaning “to strive together.”
- Common Collocations: Competitive edge, competitive spirit, competitive pricing, competitive advantage, highly competitive.
Disclaimer
This page provides a general understanding of the word competitive based on various contexts and synonyms. The meanings and usage may vary depending on regional dialects, industry jargon, and evolving language trends. Please refer to professional sources for precise applications in specialized fields.
