# contending

/kənˈtɛndɪŋ/ (US) · /kəntˈɛndɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contending
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

competing with others to win something or achieve a goal. It describes people or groups who are currently in a struggle or competition.

For teachers: engaged in a competition or struggle for a prize, position, or victory. Often used as a participial adjective to describe rival parties or athletes.

## Examples

- The two contending teams are ready for the final match.
- The judge listened carefully to the contending arguments from both lawyers before making a final decision.
- The historian analyzed the contending ideologies of the era, noting how each faction sought to define the national identity through its own narrow lens.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun to describe rivals or opposing forces.

---

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.