# against

/əˈɡeɪnst/ (US) · /ɐɡˈɛnst/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Preposition

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/against
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

in opposition to someone or something. You use this when you are competing with another person, or when you disagree with an idea. It can also mean touching something for support, like leaning on a wall.

For teachers: in opposition to, or in competition with, a person or entity; also indicates physical contact or pressure toward a surface. Functions as a head of a prepositional phrase, typically followed by a noun or pronoun object.

## Examples

- The local team plays against their rivals tomorrow.
- The workers decided to protest against the new company policy because they felt it was unfair.
- Leaning against the cold stone wall, the traveler watched the protesters march against the government's recent decision to increase taxes on imported goods.

## Usage notes

- Always followed by an object. When used to indicate physical contact, it implies pressure or support from the object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.