# dispute

/dɪˈspjut/ (US) · /dɪspjˈuːt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dispute
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a disagreement

noun · CEFR B2

a serious argument or disagreement, especially one that lasts a long time.

For teachers: a formal or public disagreement between parties, often involving legal, industrial, or territorial claims.

- The two neighbors are in a long dispute over where the fence should be.
- The labor dispute escalated when the union rejected the management's final offer, leading to a nationwide strike.

### 2. to question the truth

verb · CEFR B2

to say that a fact, statement, or result is not true or not correct.

For teachers: to challenge the validity or accuracy of a statement, claim, or figure. Transitive — takes a direct object.

- The player decided to dispute the referee's decision during the game.
- The defense attorney sought to dispute the forensic evidence, arguing that the samples had been contaminated during transport.

### 3. to fight for control

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to fight for control of something, like a piece of land.

For teachers: to compete for or strive to win something; often used regarding territory or power. Often used in the passive voice.

- The two armies disputed the small island for several months.
- The strategic mountain pass was fiercely disputed throughout the winter campaign, as both sides recognized its importance for the spring offensive.

## Examples

- The two neighbors have a long dispute over their garden fence.
- The union and the management are currently in a dispute over pay and working hours.
- The international court was asked to mediate the territorial dispute, as both nations claimed historical rights to the mineral-rich islands located in the shared channel.

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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.