infighting

noun

in·​fight·​ing ˈin-ˌfī-tiŋ 

1

: prolonged and often bitter dissension or rivalry among members of a group or organization

bureaucratic infighting

2

: rough-and-tumble fighting

3

: fighting or boxing at close quarters

infight

ˈin-ˌfīt 

intransitive verb

infighter

ˈin-ˌfī-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• conflict
• disaccord
• discord
• discordance
• discordancy
• disharmony
• dissension
• dissention
• dissent
• dissidence
• dissonance
• disunion
• disunity
• division
• friction
• inharmony
• schism
• strife
• variance
• war
• warfare

Examples of infighting in a Sentence

continued infighting has just completely robbed that political action committee of its effectiveness

Recent Examples on the Web

The Columbus Board of Education voted this week to close five schools after months of debate and infighting — and now the hard part begins. —Alissa Widman Neese, Axios, 18 Dec. 2024

Some Democrats have also begun to speak critically of trans-inclusive policies, sparking backlash and infighting among party members. —Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024

The disagreements and infighting alarmed many in the public, as the country faced multiple political, economic and foreign policy challenges. —H.j. Mai, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024

But history shows the GOP is not immune from infighting, and with slim majorities, lawmakers have little room to split. —Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 3