competitive
adjective
com·pet·i·tive
kəm-ˈpe-tə-tiv 
1
: relating to, characterized by, or based on competition
competitive sports
a competitive marketplace
2
: inclined, desiring, or suited to compete
a competitive personality
competitive interest rates
3
: depending for effectiveness on the relative concentration of two or more substances
competitive inhibition of an enzyme
competitively
adverb
competitiveness
noun
Examples of competitive in a Sentence
She is a very competitive player.
You need a degree to be competitive in today's job market.
Recent Examples on the Web
The addition of stunt design brings the total number of competitive categories to 25 — a thrilling signal that the Academy is embracing long-overdue change, driven not by trend, but by truth: These artists, who exist in every facet of our favorite movies, are essential to the storytelling process.
—
Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
In North Africa’s vibrant and competitive pop and hip-hop landscape, Manal has carved out a powerful lane of her own—one defined by bold storytelling, cultural pride and a steadfast commitment to centering women.
—Nour Ezzedine, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences pulled off an impressive feat by announcing — without any heads-up — that its Board of Governors approved an annual competitive Academy Award for Achievement in Stunt Design.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
No matter what’s going on in your life, a competitive friend will find a way to turn the spotlight back on themselves.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competitive
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
In North Africa’s vibrant and competitive pop and hip-hop landscape, Manal has carved out a powerful lane of her own—one defined by bold storytelling, cultural pride and a steadfast commitment to centering women.
—Nour Ezzedine, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences pulled off an impressive feat by announcing — without any heads-up — that its Board of Governors approved an annual competitive Academy Award for Achievement in Stunt Design.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
No matter what’s going on in your life, a competitive friend will find a way to turn the spotlight back on themselves.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competitive
Cite this Entry
“Competitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competitive. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
competitive
adjective
com·pet·i·tive
kəm-ˈpet-ət-iv
: relating to, characterized by, or based on competition
competitive sports
competitive bidding
competitively
adverb
competitiveness
noun
Medical Definition
competitive
adjective
com·pet·i·tive
kəm-ˈpet-ət-iv
: depending for effectiveness on the relative concentration of two or more substances
competitive inhibition of an enzyme
competitive protein binding
competitively
adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share