Words / B2

k-uh-m-PET-it-uh/kəmˈpetɪtə/

A competitor is a person or company trying to be more successful than others: a competitor in the race, a market competitor. Rival is a close synonym, often with more heat; opponent is for a contest or debate; contestant is someone in a game show. Compete is the verb; competition is the noun. In speech, rival is usually enough. Do not call a partner a competitor unless they are actually competing.

Meaning

A person or company that is trying to be more successful than others.

Examples

• “Two competitors finished with the same time.”
• “Two competitors finished with the same time; the photo decided it.”
• “The new college is a competitor for the same sixth-form students.”

Good to know

A rival person or company. Verb: compete. Everyday: rival. Close: opponent (contest). Contrast: partner / ally.

Near in meaning

rival

New