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Meaning & use

contested

adjective·Academic

Last updated

UK/kənˈtestɪd/
US/kənˈtestɪd/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparable

    Argued about or challenged by people on opposing sides, so that the result or truth is not agreed.

    Grammar: Before a noun or after a verb: a contested claim; the result is contested.

    Patterns

    • a hotly contested something
    • remain contested

    The ownership of the island remains contested.

    It was a contested decision that divided the committee.

    Historians still treat the date as a contested question.

  2. adjectivebefore a nounsport

    Fought over by two or more candidates or teams, especially in an election or match.

    Grammar: Often used with hotly or closely: a hotly contested seat.

    Patterns

    • a closely contested race

    It was a closely contested final that went to extra time.

    The mayor's seat was hotly contested.

    A contested election needs a recount.

  3. adjectivebefore a nounlaw

    Opposed in court by one side, rather than agreed by both parties.

    Grammar: Used in law, as in a contested divorce.

    Patterns

    • a contested will

    The contested will took two years to settle.

    A contested divorce is more costly than an agreed one.

    The judge heard the contested claim on Friday.

Common combinations

hotly contested
The title was hotly contested by three teams.
contested election
A contested election can drag on for weeks.
contested territory
The contested territory has changed hands often.
remain contested
The facts remain contested.
contested claim
The court rejected the contested claim.

Synonyms and how they differ

disputed
Disputed is very close but is more about disagreement over facts, while contested also covers competitions.
controversial
Controversial describes something that causes public argument, not necessarily a formal challenge.
challenged
Challenged is plainer and does not always imply a full contest between sides.
debated
Debated means discussed, and does not imply that anyone is opposing the result.

Opposites

undisputeduncontested

Word family

contest verb
To dispute or compete for.
contest noun
A competition.
contestant noun
A participant in a contest.
uncontested adjective
Not opposed or disputed.

Commonly confused: contested or contentious?

contested vs contentious

Contentious means likely to cause argument; contested means actually being argued over or fought for.

Practice

Which phrase suggests that two parties are actively opposing each other?

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