B1verbbusinesssport
US/kəmˈpiːt/
UK/kəmˈpiːt/
to try to win something or be more successful than others
In context
Small shops cannot compete with big supermarkets on price.
Forty teams will compete in the national football league this year.
Thousands of graduates compete for a few good jobs every year.
Words that go with compete
verb + preposition
- compete withOur company competes with three big brands.
- compete forThe children competed for their mother's attention.
- compete inShe will compete in the Olympics.
- compete againstWe compete against teams from all over Asia.
verb + adverb
- compete effectivelyThe firm must cut costs to compete effectively.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Small shops cannot compete to big supermarkets on price.Correct: Small shops cannot compete with big supermarkets on price.