Contest vs. Competition: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 2, 2023
A Contest is a specific event where individuals or teams compete for a prize or recognition, often with set rules. A Competition is a broader term that refers to the act or process of competing, which can occur in various contexts.
Key Differences
Contest and Competition are two terms often used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences. A Contest is a more specific term that refers to an event where individuals or teams participate to win a prize, title, or recognition. The rules, guidelines, and judging criteria are usually well-defined. On the other hand, Competition is a general term that describes the action or situation of striving against others for the same objective, such as resources, prizes, or recognition. It could be ongoing and less formalized than a Contest.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 01, 2023
In terms of their grammatical usage, both Contest and Competition are primarily used as nouns, although "contest" can also serve as a verb. For example, one can contest a decision, but one generally doesn't "competition" a decision. The verb form related to Competition is "compete," which refers to the act of taking part in a Competition. It's more common to say that someone "competes in a Competition" than to say someone "contests in a Contest."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 01, 2023
Contest often implies that there is a short-term, set event where the objective is clear and specific. Examples include a singing contest or a chess tournament. Competition, meanwhile, may be more ongoing and open-ended, such as a market competition between businesses or an academic competition that spans a semester. The scope of a Contest is usually narrower than that of a Competition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 01, 2023
In summary, Contest and Competition are distinct but related concepts. A Contest is typically a structured, short-term event with defined rules, whereas Competition can refer to a broader, ongoing rivalry or striving for the same objective. Both can occur in a variety of settings, from sports to business to academics, but they are used in slightly different contexts.
Sara Rehman
Oct 01, 2023
Comparison Chart
ADVERTISEMENT
Contest and Competition Definitions
Contest
A competitive event with set rules.
He won first place in the pie-eating contest.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Contest
A struggle for superiority or victory.
The election was a close contest.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Contest
A game or match where skills are tested.
The spelling contest was open to all ages.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Competition
A struggle between organisms for resources.
In nature, competition for food is common.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Competition
A test or contest to determine qualifications.
The competition for the job was intense.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023
Contest
An examination or screening.
The contest included a rigorous interview process.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Contest
A struggle for superiority or victory between rivals
England's contest with Spain for domination of the seas.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Contest
A competition, especially one in which entrants perform separately and are rated by judges
A spelling contest.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Competition
Rivalry between two or more businesses striving for the same customer or market.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Contest
To compete or strive for; struggle to gain or control
Trade routes that were contested by competing cultures.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Contest
To call into question and take an active stand against; dispute or challenge
Contest a will.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Competition
(Ecology) The simultaneous demand by two or more organisms for a limited environmental resource, such as nutrients, living space, or light.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Competition
(uncountable) The action of competing.
The competition for this job is strong.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Contest
To struggle or compete; contend
Contested with other bidders for the antique.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Competition
(countable) A contest for a prize or award.
The newspaper is featuring a competition to win a car.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Competition
The competitors in such a contest.
The new stain remover was ten times more effective than the competition.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Competition
The act of seeking, or endeavoring to gain, what another is endeavoring to gain at the same time; common strife for the same objects; strife for superiority; emulous contest; rivalry, as for approbation, for a prize, or as where two or more persons are engaged in the same business and each seeking patronage; - followed by for before the object sought, and with before the person or thing competed with.
Competition to the crown there is none, nor can be.
A portrait, with which one of Titian's could not come in competition.
There is no competition but for the second place.
Where competition does not act at all there is complete monopoly.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Competition
A business relation in which two parties compete to gain customers;
Business competition can be fiendish at times
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Contest
(intransitive) To contend.
I will contest for the open seat on the board.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Competition
An occasion on which a winner is selected from among two or more contestants
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Contest
(transitive) To call into question; to oppose.
The rival contested the dictator's re-election because of claims of voting irregularities.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Competition
The act of competing as for profit or a prize;
The teams were in fierce contention for first place
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Contest
(transitive) To strive earnestly to hold or maintain; to struggle to defend.
The troops contested every inch of ground.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Competition
The contestant you hope to defeat;
He had respect for his rivals
He wanted to know what the competition was doing
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Contest
(law) To make a subject of litigation; to defend, as a suit; to dispute or resist, as a claim, by course of law.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Competition
An organized event in which participants compete.
He entered a swimming competition.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
Contest
To make a subject of dispute, contention, litigation, or emulation; to contend for; to call in question; to controvert; to oppose; to dispute.
The people . . . contested not what was done.
Few philosophical aphorisms have been more frequenty repeated, few more contested than this.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Contest
To strive earnestly to hold or maintain; to struggle to defend; as, the troops contested every inch of ground.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Contest
To make a subject of litigation; to defend, as a suit; to dispute or resist; as a claim, by course of law; to controvert.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Contest
To engage in contention, or emulation; to contend; to strive; to vie; to emulate; - followed usually by with.
The difficulty of an argument adds to the pleasure of contesting with it, when there are hopes of victory.
Of man, who dares in pomp with Jove contest?
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Contest
Earnest dispute; strife in argument; controversy; debate; altercation.
Leave all noisy contests, all immodest clamors and brawling language.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Contest
Earnest struggle for superiority, victory, defense, etc.; competition; emulation; strife in arms; conflict; combat; encounter.
The late battle had, in effect, been a contest between one usurper and another.
It was fully expected that the contest there would be long and fierce.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Contest
An occasion on which a winner is selected from among two or more contestants
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Contest
To make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation;
They contested the outcome of the race
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
FAQs
Is the word Contest also a verb?
Yes, to contest means to challenge or dispute something.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 01, 2023
What is a Competition?
A Competition is a general act or process of competing against others.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 01, 2023
Do all Contests have prizes?
Not necessarily; some may offer titles or recognition instead.
Harlon Moss
Oct 01, 2023
Is Competition always about winning?
Not always, it can also be about improving or gaining market share.
Harlon Moss
Oct 01, 2023
What is a Contest?
A Contest is a specific event where participants compete for a prize or recognition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 01, 2023
How do Contest and Competition differ?
Contest is more specific and rule-bound, while Competition is more general and open-ended.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 01, 2023
Can a Contest be a part of a Competition?
Yes, a Contest can be one element within a broader Competition.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 01, 2023
Is a Contest always short-term?
Generally, yes, a Contest is often a set, short-term event.
Harlon Moss
Oct 01, 2023
Where can Competitions occur?
In even broader contexts, like business, nature, or long-term events.
Sara Rehman
Oct 01, 2023
Can a Competition involve teams?
Yes, Competitions can also involve team dynamics.
Janet White
Oct 01, 2023
Is every Competition a Contest?
No, not all Competitions are Contests, but all Contests are forms of Competition.
Janet White
Oct 01, 2023
Where can Contests occur?
In various settings, like sports, academics, or entertainment.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 01, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
