What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
marathon
Example
She trained for months to run the New York City Marathon. [marathon: noun]
Example
The team worked a marathon session to finish the project before the deadline. [marathon: adjective]
competition
Example
The Olympic Games feature various competitions in different sports. [competition: noun]
Example
The company faced stiff competition from its rivals in the market. [competition: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Competition is more commonly used than marathon in everyday language. Competition is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while marathon is less common and refers specifically to a long-distance running race.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between marathon and competition?
Both marathon and competition can be used in formal and informal contexts, but competition is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.