Word
contesting
Phoneticscon·test·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈtɛstɪŋ/
UK/kəntˈɛstɪŋ/
Definitions
01challenging a decision
B2 · Upper Intermediate Law Formal
v. disagreeing with a decision or a law and trying to change it.
v. challenging or disputing the validity or accuracy of a statement, decision, or legal document. Transitive, taking the disputed item as a direct object.
“The family is contesting the will because they believe it was signed under pressure.”
“The legal team spent months contesting the evidence presented by the prosecution, arguing that the data had been improperly collected.”
Synonyms
02competing for something
B2 · Upper Intermediate Sports
v. taking part in a competition or election to try and win.
v. competing for or striving to win a position, prize, or territory.
“Several candidates are contesting the seat in the upcoming local election.”
“Both teams were fiercely contesting every inch of the field, knowing that a single mistake could end their championship hopes.”
Antonyms
03the act of disputing
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal · Academic
n. the act of arguing against something or challenging it.
n. the action of disputing or challenging a claim, decision, or result. Functions as a gerund or verbal noun.
“His contesting of the results led to a full recount of the votes.”
“The persistent contesting of established scientific theories is a fundamental part of the peer-review process.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. Often used in legal, political, or competitive contexts.
Pitfall
They are contesting against the decision.
They are contesting the decision.
Contest is a transitive verb; it should be followed directly by the object without the preposition 'against'.
Real-World Examples
“Several One Nation candidates have deleted or scrubbed their social media accounts since announcing their candidacies, including Elita Dabrowski, who is contesting Sunbury, a seat Labor fears it could lose.” “Bouaddi completed 54 of his 55 passes, while he also topped the metrics across players of both sides for most dribbles (4), most times possession won (7) and contesting more duels (13).” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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