What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
competition
Example
The competition was fierce, with each team giving their best performance. [competition: noun]
Example
She competed in the swimming competition and won first place. [competed: verb]
tournament
Example
The tennis tournament had players from all over the world competing for the championship. [tournament: noun]
Example
He participated in the chess tournament and made it to the quarterfinals. [tournament: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Competition is more commonly used than tournament in everyday language. Competition is a broad term that covers a wide range of contexts, while tournament is more specific and often used in the context of sports or games.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between competition and tournament?
Both competition and tournament can be used in formal and informal contexts, but tournament is more likely to be used in formal settings, such as professional sports or academic competitions.
