VocabularyBasePractice words

Meaning & use

in direct competition

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ɪn dəˈrekt ˌkɒmpəˈtɪʃn/
US/ɪn dəˈrekt ˌkɑːmpəˈtɪʃn/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    actively trying to win the same customers, contract, prize, or market as another person or group

    Grammar: Used after linking verbs like 'be' or after verbs such as 'stand' and 'go'. It is often followed by 'with' plus the other competitor.

    Patterns

    • be in direct competition with someone
    • stand in direct competition to something
    • go into direct competition with a rival

    The two supermarkets are in direct competition with each other for the same shoppers.

    Our small company is now in direct competition with a huge international chain.

    The two athletes have been in direct competition for the gold medal all season.

  2. phrasefixed phrase

    existing or happening at the same time as something else that has a similar purpose, so that one may replace or harm the other

    Grammar: Often used with 'with' to show what is being compared or threatened.

    Patterns

    • be in direct competition with something
    • put something in direct competition with something

    Online news is in direct competition with printed newspapers for readers' attention.

    The new law puts clean energy in direct competition with older, polluting industries.

    Their product is in direct competition with ours, so we need to lower our prices.

Common combinations

in direct competition with
The startup is in direct competition with established firms in the same city.
go into direct competition
The airline went into direct competition with the national rail service.
stand in direct competition to
This policy stands in direct competition to everything we believe in.
face direct competition
Local shops face direct competition from large online sellers.

Synonyms and how they differ

rivalry
Rivalry is a noun for the ongoing situation of competing; 'in direct competition' describes the state itself and fits when you need a phrase after 'be' or 'stand'.
head-to-head
Head-to-head is an adjective or adverb used especially for two people or teams facing each other directly; 'in direct competition' is broader and can involve many sides.
competing
Competing is an adjective meaning 'acting as a rival'; 'in direct competition' is a fuller phrase that usually needs 'with' to name the other side.

Opposites

in partnershipworking together

Word family

compete verb
to try to win something or do better than others
competitor noun
a person or company that competes with another
competitive adjective
wanting very much to win, or involving competition
competition noun
the activity of competing, or an event where people compete

Commonly confused: in direct competition or in direct comparison?

in direct competition vs in direct comparison

This means you are looking at similarities and differences, not competing. 'In direct competition' is about trying to win or replace.

Practice

The two coffee chains are ______ with each other for customers on the same street.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “in direct competition”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.

Explore more words