What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
competitor
Example
Our company's main competitor is XYZ Corporation. [competitor: noun]
Example
The athlete was a fierce competitor in the race. [competitor: adjective]
Example
She is a strong competitor in the job market. [competitor: noun]
contender
Example
He is a top contender for the championship title. [contender: noun]
Example
The team is a serious contender for the playoffs this year. [contender: adjective]
Example
She is a strong contender for the position of CEO. [contender: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Competitor is more commonly used than contender in everyday language, especially in business and sports contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between competitor and contender?
Both competitor and contender are relatively formal words, but competitor may have a slightly more negative connotation in some contexts due to its association with cutthroat competition.
