Table of Contents
The Quick Answer
If you are looking for the correct spelling, here it is: Competition is the only correct spelling in standard English.
The word requires an "e" in the second syllable (C-O-M-P-E-T-I-T-I-O-N). Spelling it as "compitition" with an "i" is universally considered a spelling error in professional, academic, and casual writing. While it is a frequent typo because of how the word is spoken, writing it correctly is essential for clear and credible communication.
Correct Spelling
The definitive way to write this word.
C-O-M-P-E-T-I-T-I-O-N
Take note of the "e" in the second syllable. This is the only accepted spelling in both American and British English dictionaries.
Common Misspellings
The most frequent errors writers make.
Compitition
Using an "i" instead of an "e". The most common error.
Competion
Missing the "i" in the third syllable. Often typed in haste.
Competetion
Using an "e" instead of an "i" in the third syllable. A severe spelling error.
Why Is This Word Misspelled?
The linguistic breakdown of a notorious spelling trap.
The confusion primarily stems from English pronunciation. When we speak the word "competition," the second syllable is unstressed and reduced to a schwa sound (uh). Because our brains associate this lazy vowel sound with an "i", writers frequently use the wrong vowel.
The Phonetic Trap
Spoken: com-puh-TISH-un. The unstressed second syllable sounds like an "i" or a short "u", tricking the ear into spelling it with an "i" instead of an "e".
The Etymological Rule
Written: C-O-M-P-E-T-I-T-I-O-N. The Latin root "competere" demands the "e" in the second syllable, regardless of how it sounds when spoken.
Correct Spelling Breakdown
Analyzing the word syllable by syllable.
com
Prefix (from Latin 'com-' meaning with/together)
pe
Root part 1 (from Latin 'petere' meaning to seek)
ti
Root part 2 (connecting vowel/consonant)
tion
Suffix (noun-forming suffix denoting an action or condition)
Notice how the base verb "compete" (c-o-m-p-e-t-e) shares the exact same "com-pe-t" beginning. The noun form simply replaces the final "e" with "ition."
Spelling Pattern
The Latin assimilation rule at work.
To understand why the "e" exists, we look to Latin. The word comes from the Latin verb "competere," which translates to "to strive together" or "to seek something alongside others." It is built from the prefix "com-" (meaning "together") and the root "petere" (meaning "to aim at" or "to seek").
When the word entered Late Latin as "competitio" and eventually Middle English, it brought the "e" from the root "petere" with it. The spelling "competition" preserves this etymological root, ensuring the reader can connect it to words like "compete" and "competent."
Lexicographers kept the "e" in the second syllable to maintain visual consistency with its verb form, "compete." Changing it to "compitition" would sever the word from its root family and create a false structural pattern.
Meaning
What does "competition" actually mean?
An event or contest
An organized event in which people attempt to win.
- She entered a local baking competition.
- The swimming competition is next week.
- He won the national chess competition.
Business rivalry
The struggle between businesses to attract customers.
- The new store created fierce competition.
- Competition drives prices down.
- We face heavy competition from overseas.
General rivalry
The act of competing against someone else.
- There is intense competition for the top spot.
- The competition between the two brothers is unhealthy.
- She thrives on competition.
Ecological interaction
Organisms striving for the same resources.
- Plants engage in competition for sunlight.
- The two species are in direct competition for food.
- Competition shapes the evolutionary process.
The opponents themselves
The people or teams you are competing against.
- Our competition is very strong this year.
- I respect the competition we face tonight.
- The company outpaced its competition.
Economics market
A market condition allowing buyers to compare prices.
- Perfect competition is a theoretical concept.
- Antitrust laws aim to preserve competition.
- Monopolies destroy free competition.
An athletic challenge
A sporting event involving physical exertion.
- The gymnastics competition was televised.
- He injured his knee during the competition.
- The host city prepared for the international competition.
A performing arts event
A contest involving music, dance, or drama.
- The piano competition attracts young prodigies.
- She practiced relentlessly for the dance competition.
- The drama club won the regional competition.
Academic striving
The effort to achieve better grades or awards.
- There is stiff competition for the valedictorian spot.
- The science fair competition was fierce.
- Students face heavy competition for scholarships.
A technological race
The drive to innovate faster than rivals.
- The space competition fueled the Cold War.
- There is fierce competition to develop AI.
- Tech giants are in an arms competition.
Pronunciation (US English)
How to properly say the word in American English.
/ˌkɑːmpəˈtɪʃən/
In American English, the primary stress is placed on the third syllable (com-puh-TISH-un). The second syllable is reduced to a quick schwa sound, and the "ti" produces a "sh" sound before the "on."
Syllable Breakdown:
- com
- pe
- ti
- tion
Part of Speech & Grammar
How the word transforms across different grammatical forms.
Competition
The base concept. The act of competing or the event itself. It can be countable (a competition) or uncountable (fierce competition).
The competition starts at noon.
Competitions
Multiple events or instances of competing.
She has won several dancing competitions.
Competition
Used to modify another noun, relating to rivalry.
He felt the competition pressure.
Word Family
Words that share the same root and spelling patterns.
Words Commonly Confused With It
Understanding the difference between similar concepts.
Competition vs. Competence
Competition is the act of striving against others. Competence is the ability to do something well. Example: The competition was tough. Her competence as a lawyer is unmatched.
Competition vs. Cooperation
Competition involves working against others for a prize. Cooperation involves working together for a mutual benefit. Example: Healthy competition drives innovation. Cooperation among team members gets the job done.
Similar-Looking Words
Visual traps that cause spelling errors.
Composition
Means the nature of something's ingredients. It shares the 'com-po-ti' structure but has an 's' instead of an 'e' in the second syllable.
Computation
Means the action of mathematical calculation. It shares the 'com-p-u-ta-tion' structure.
How to Remember the Spelling
Memory tricks & mnemonics to lock it in forever.
1. The "Compete" Trick
The most effective trick. The word "competition" comes directly from the verb "compete." If you know how to spell "compete" (with an 'e'), simply add "ition" to the end. Keep the 'e'!
2. The "Pet" Mnemonic
The Latin root is "petere" (to seek). Look at the middle of the word: it contains "pet." Think: "My PET won the competition." The 'e' in pet ensures you use an 'e', not an 'i'.
3. The "E before I" Visual
The word has a specific vowel pattern: E, I, I. Say it out loud as you type: "com-E-t-I-t-I-on." Remembering that the 'e' comes before the double 'i's helps lock it in.
4. The "Petition" Trick
The second half of "competition" is exactly the same as the word "petition." Think: "I filed a petition against the competition." Both words share the 'tition' ending, and the root 'pet'.
Common Collocations
Words that are frequently used together with "competition".
- Fierce competition
- Fair competition
- Free competition
- Face competition
- Enter a competition
- Outpace the competition
50 Example Sentences
See the word in action across 5 distinct contexts.
Business & Corporate
- The new startup poses a real threat to the established competition.
- We must innovate to stay ahead of the competition.
- Competition in the smartphone market is incredibly fierce.
- The company lowered its prices to undercut the competition.
- They analyzed the competition's marketing strategy.
- Monopolies are harmful because they eliminate competition.
- She was hired to help the firm understand its competition.
- Our main competition comes from overseas manufacturers.
- The merger was blocked to preserve free competition.
- In business, competition drives quality and efficiency.
Sports & Athletics
- She trained for months for the upcoming gymnastics competition.
- The swimming competition was delayed due to thunderstorms.
- He thrives on the pressure of athletic competition.
- The international competition features athletes from 40 nations.
- Our team faces stiff competition in the playoffs.
- The figure skating competition was judged harshly.
- He pulled a muscle during the track competition.
- The chess competition lasted for three grueling days.
- They hosted a friendly competition to build team spirit.
- She won a gold medal at her first national competition.
Academics & Education
- There is intense competition for the science scholarship.
- The essay competition attracted thousands of entries.
- Students face fierce competition to get into top universities.
- The math competition is scheduled for next Tuesday.
- Healthy academic competition can motivate students to excel.
- The debate team won the regional competition.
- She missed the spelling competition due to illness.
- The robotics competition encourages STEM learning.
- Faculty members noted the unhealthy competition among grad students.
- The school promotes cooperation over competition.
Everyday & Hobbies
- I entered my cherry pie into the local baking competition.
- The dog agility competition was the highlight of the fair.
- My sister and I have a friendly competition over who grows the best tomatoes.
- The photography competition requires submissions by Friday.
- He won a car in the radio station's trivia competition.
- The talent competition featured singers, dancers, and magicians.
- We held a cooking competition to decide who hosts Thanksgiving.
- The knitting competition drew a surprisingly large crowd.
- There's a lot of competition for the best camping spots.
- She placed third in the amateur singing competition.
Abstract & Scientific
- In ecology, competition for resources limits population growth.
- The two theories are in direct competition to explain the phenomenon.
- Evolutionary theory relies heavily on the concept of competition.
- There is a constant competition between gravity and nuclear fusion in stars.
- The paper explores the competition between instinct and reason.
- Plants secrete chemicals to hinder the competition.
- Symbiosis differs from competition because both organisms benefit.
- The model simulates the competition for limited sunlight in a forest.
- Cultural competition can lead to the extinction of languages.
- The software simulates market competition in a virtual economy.
Everyday Usage
How to use the word in casual, daily life.
In daily conversation, "competition" is often used to describe a contest or a rivalry. For example, telling a friend, "I entered my pie into the competition" refers to a specific event. It is a common word for any scenario where people strive against each other.
- I entered my cherry pie into the local baking competition.
- The dog agility competition was the highlight of the fair.
- My sister and I have a friendly competition over who grows the best tomatoes.
- The photography competition requires submissions by Friday.
- He won a car in the radio station's trivia competition.
Academic Usage
How to use the word in essays and research.
In academic writing, "competition" is used to describe ecological interactions, economic markets, or social theories. For instance, "In ecology, competition for resources limits population growth." It indicates a structured struggle for limited resources.
- In ecology, competition for resources limits population growth.
- The two theories are in direct competition to explain the phenomenon.
- Evolutionary theory relies heavily on the concept of competition.
- There is a constant competition between gravity and nuclear fusion in stars.
- The paper explores the competition between instinct and reason.
Professional Usage
How to use the word in business and corporate settings.
In business emails, "competition" is used to describe rival companies or market forces. Saying "We must analyze the competition" sounds highly professional and indicates a focus on market strategy. It implies formal corporate rivalry.
- The new startup poses a real threat to the established competition.
- We must innovate to stay ahead of the competition.
- Competition in the smartphone market is incredibly fierce.
- The company lowered its prices to undercut the competition.
- They analyzed the competition's marketing strategy.
Formal vs. Casual Usage
Knowing when to use "competition" vs. simpler synonyms.
Formal / Professional
- The enterprise faces significant competition in the global marketplace.
- Antitrust legislation exists to preserve free and fair competition.
- The candidates engaged in a rigorous competition for the nomination.
- Ecological competition dictates the distribution of the species.
- The consortium hosts an annual academic competition.
Casual / Everyday
- The bake-off was tough this year.
- Who won the chili cook-off?
- We're up against some really good teams.
- It's a dog-eat-dog world out there in retail.
- My sister and I are always trying to outdo each other.
Synonyms, Antonyms & Rhyming Words
Words related to, opposite of, and sounding like competition.
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
Common Mistakes
Avoid these frequent spelling pitfalls.
The compitition is fierce.
✓ The competition is fierce.
Explanation: "Compitition" incorrectly uses an "i" in the second syllable. This is the most common error in American English.
Tip: Remember it comes from "compete," which has an "e".
We face heavy compitition.
✓ We face heavy competition.
Explanation: Swapping the 'e' for an 'i' is a phonetic mistake based on the unstressed schwa sound.
Tip: Think of the word "compete" which also has an "e".
It was a tough compitition.
✓ It was a tough competition.
Explanation: Even in casual contexts, the "e" before "i" sequence is strictly required.
Tip: Apply the same spelling rule to all contexts of the word.
Small compititions are good.
✓ Small competitions are good.
Explanation: The plural form also requires the "e" in the second syllable.
Tip: Keep the base root "compe-" intact when adding suffixes.
We asumed the compitition was over.
✓ We assumed the competition was over.
Explanation: Both "assumed" and "competition" are misspelled here. Double-check vowel placements.
Tip: Write the word out slowly: C-O-M-P-E-T-I-T-I-O-N.
She is very competative.
✓ She is very competitive.
Explanation: The adjective form shifts slightly but still relies on the 'e' root.
Tip: If the root has 'e', the adjective generally does too.
Many compititions closed.
✓ Many competitions closed.
Explanation: Pluralizing the word does not change the vowel order.
Tip: Break it into syllables: com-pe-ti-tion.
The compitition filed for bankruptcy.
✓ The competition filed for bankruptcy.
Explanation: Corporate and legal contexts frequently suffer from this typo.
Tip: Remember the root is "petere" so it starts with C-O-M-P-E.
Let's watch the compitition.
✓ Let's watch the competition.
Explanation: Dropping or swapping vowels due to fast typing.
Tip: Use the mnemonic "My PET won the competition."
He called it a tricky compitition.
✓ He called it a tricky competition.
Explanation: The phonetic schwa sound is a strong habit that is hard to break for this word.
Tip: Say it out loud: "From Com-pet-e, we get com-pe-ti-tion."
Correct vs. Incorrect Examples
Grammar and context usage comparisons.
Incorrect
He is a devoted compititor.
Correct
He is a devoted competitor.
Incorrect
We entered the competition event.
Correct
We entered the competition.
Incorrect
The competition team held their meeting.
Correct
The competition team held its meeting.
Incorrect
An competition-like approach
Correct
A competition-like approach
Incorrect
The competition have 50 entrants.
Correct
The competition has 50 entrants.
Incorrect
He is the most competition in the field.
Correct
He is the biggest competition in the field.
Incorrect
Rivalry and compitition
Correct
Rivalry and competition
Incorrect
We discussed the competition about.
Correct
We discussed the competition's strategy.
Incorrect
The competition don't start until noon.
Correct
The competition doesn't start until noon.
Incorrect
The competition begins soon, doesn't it?
Correct
The competition begins soon, doesn't it?
🎮 Mini Quiz
Test your knowledge with these interactive questions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions.
Is 'compitition' ever an accepted spelling?
No. In both American and British English, 'compitition' is universally considered a misspelling. It is never accepted in formal writing, academic papers, or professional publications. The only correct spelling is 'competition' with an 'e' in the second syllable.
Why do people misspell it as 'compitition'?
The primary reason is phonetic. When spoken, the second syllable in 'competition' is unstressed and reduced to a schwa (/ə/), sounding like 'uh' or 'ih'. Writers naturally use an 'i' to match this lazy vowel sound.
What is the best memory trick for this word?
The most effective trick is to remember the verb form: 'compete'. Since 'compete' has an 'e', simply adding 'ition' keeps the 'e' intact. Another trick is noticing the word 'pet' in the middle: 'My pet won the competition.'
Is 'competition' spelled differently in the UK?
No. Unlike words such as 'color/colour' or 'center/centre', no spelling reform was applied to 'competition.' It is spelled with an 'e' on both sides of the Atlantic.
What is the plural form of competition, and how is it spelled?
The plural form is 'competitions.' It retains the 'e' in the second syllable and simply adds an 's' at the end. It is used when referring to multiple contests or events.
What is the origin of the word competition?
It comes from the Latin word 'competere', which means 'to strive together.' It is formed from the prefix 'com-' (together) and 'petere' (to aim at or seek). It entered Late Latin as 'competitio' before becoming 'competition' in English.
How do you use competition in a sentence?
You use it as a noun when describing a contest or a rivalry. For example: 'She entered the chess competition' or 'The new business faces stiff competition from local stores.'
Is competition a formal word?
Yes, it is considered a formal and professional word. It is highly appropriate for academic writing, journalism, and corporate communications, sounding much more precise than casual terms like 'fight' or 'race.'
Does competition have a prefix and a root?
Yes. The prefix is 'com-' (meaning 'together'), and the root is 'petere' (meaning 'to seek' or 'to aim at'). Together, they literally mean 'to seek together,' which evolved into striving against each other for the same goal.
What is the difference between competition and cooperation?
Competition refers to working against others to achieve a goal or win a prize. Cooperation refers to working together with others for a mutual benefit. They are often viewed as opposing forces in economics and sociology.
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