# contesting

/kənˈtɛstɪŋ/ (US) · /kəntˈɛstɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contesting
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. challenging a decision

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

disagreeing with a decision or a law and trying to change it.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. competing for something

verb · CEFR B2

taking part in a competition or election to try and win.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. the act of disputing

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

the act of arguing against something or challenging it.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The lawyer is contesting the witness's version of events.
- Several candidates are contesting the election results, claiming that the voting process was not handled fairly.
- By contesting the terms of the original contract, the firm hoped to renegotiate their delivery schedule without incurring the heavy financial penalties usually associated with late shipments.

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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.