# competitiveness

/kəmˈpɛtɪtɪvnɪs/ (US) · /kəmpˈɛtɪtˌɪvnəs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/competitiveness
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the desire to be more successful or better than other people. It can also mean how well a company or country can compete against others in business.

For teachers: the quality of being as good as or better than others of a comparable nature; the possession of a strong desire to be more successful than others. Often refers to economic viability or individual psychological drive.

## Examples

- Her competitiveness makes her a great athlete.
- The government introduced new tax breaks to improve the international competitiveness of the local tech sector.
- While a healthy sense of competitiveness can drive innovation within a team, excessive rivalry often leads to a breakdown in communication and a toxic work environment.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general quality or economic state; rarely used in the plural.

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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.