C1noun2K

Contender

UK /["/kənˈtendə(r)/"]/US /["/kənˈtendər/"]/

Definition

a person or team with a chance of winning a competition

In simple words: A person or team that competes for something.

Examples

  • a contender for a gold medal in the Olympics
  • a **leading/serious/strong contender** for the party leadership
  • Germany last night emerged as a contender to stage next year's event.
  • He's gone from being a serious title contender to being totally written off.
  • She was considered a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination.
  • a strong contender for the gold medal
  • He is seen as one of the leading contenders for the post.
  • Peter is a contender for the gold medal in the Olympics.
  • She is a strong contender for the party leadership.
  • The team has proved that it is a genuine title contender.

Usage notes

Use 'contender' when discussing competition, such as sports or awards. It's more appropriate in neutral contexts and less common in informal conversations.

Grammar pattern

contender + for + object

Memory hint

Think of 'contest' in 'contender' — a person in a contest.

Collocations

  • serious
  • strong
  • leading
  • contender for

Synonyms

  • competitor
  • rival
  • challenger
  • applicant
  • player

Antonyms

  • loser
  • non-contender

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'contender' with 'pretender' (someone who pretends to be something).
  • Using 'contender' in non-competitive contexts.
  • Misplacing the word, thinking it can apply to non-human entities like teams or concepts.