Competitive

Competitive is an adjective describing a willingness or disposition to engage in competition, or something characterized by competition. In individuals, it refers to a drive to outperform others or to achieve goals in relation to rivals. In markets or environments, it describes conditions in which many agents strive to gain advantages, leading to rivalry over resources, customers, or recognition. The term derives from Latin competere, "to strive together."

Applications in everyday life include a person with a competitive nature who seeks praise or rewards, which can motivate effort but may also lead to stress or conflict when misbalanced. In business and economics, competitive conditions arise when there are multiple buyers and sellers and few barriers to entry, encouraging price and non-price competition. In imperfectly competitive markets, firms compete through product differentiation, marketing, or innovation, rather than pure price alone.

Competitive strategy and analysis involve studying rivals, market structure, and resources to gain a competitive advantage—an edge over competitors. Concepts such as cost leadership, differentiation, and focus are used to position a firm in the market. Competitive advantage can be temporary, dependent on resources, capabilities, and external conditions.

Other domains include sports, gaming, and e-sports, which emphasize structured competition. In education and work, competitive environments can drive performance but may also create incentives for unethical behavior unless properly regulated. Related terms include competitiveness as a broader attribute and competitive analysis, which assesses rivals and market dynamics to inform decision-making.