Cool MateCompetition vs Contest
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Competition
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Contest
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
Most common: Competition
| Competition | Contest | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌkɒmpəˈtɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌkɑːmpəˈtɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒntest/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːntest/"]/ |
| Meaning | A contest where people or teams try to win something. | A game or event where people try to win or show who is best. |
| Example | The competition between the two teams was very intense. | She won the baking contest with her delicious chocolate cake. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | international, national, major, win, lose, have, take place, be open to somebody, winner, entry, committee, in a/the competition, competition between, competition for, cut-throat, fierce, intense, be up against, face, go into, exist, heat up, intensify, laws, against competition, in competition with, in the face of competition, outperform, blow away, crush | close, equal, even, have, hold, run, take place, during a/the contest, in a/the contest, out of a/the contest, a contest of skills, a contest of strength, be no contest, close, equal, even, have, hold, run, take place, during a/the contest, in a/the contest, out of a/the contest, a contest of skills, a contest of strength, be no contest |
| Antonyms | cooperation, collaboration | agreement, peace |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'competition' with 'competitor', Using 'compete' incorrectly as a noun, Mixing up 'competition' and 'contest' | Confused with 'context' — make sure to differentiate between competition and situation., Using 'contests' as a verb — remember it's a noun., Saying 'participate in a contest' instead of 'take part in a contest'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'competition' in contexts like sports, events, or challenges. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English. Avoid in casual or slang settings without context. | Use 'contest' in both formal and informal situations, such as competitions or challenges. Avoid slang contexts. |
Frequently asked questions: Competition vs Contest
What's the difference between Competition and Contest?
Competition: A contest where people or teams try to win something. Contest: A game or event where people try to win or show who is best.
Which is more common: Competition and Contest?
Competition is the most common in everyday English.
Are Competition and Contest the same CEFR level?
Competition: A2, Contest: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Competition and Contest interchangeably?
Not always. Competition and Contest are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.