kilpailu

Kilpailu is a Finnish noun meaning competition or contest. It derives from the verb kilpa, "to compete," and is used in both everyday speech and formal discourse. The sense of the word encompasses rivalry between individuals, groups, or organizations, as well as organized events that pit participants against each other.

In sports and other events, kilpailu denotes a race, match, or tournament. Examples include athletic competitions and various championships, where participants strive to achieve a better result than rivals. The term can also describe competitive situations in non-sport contexts, such as a job application process or an academic contest, where individuals compete for a goal.

In economics and public policy, kilpailu refers to market competition—the rivalry among firms for customers and resources. A high level of kilpailu is typically associated with efficiency, innovation, and lower prices, while insufficient competition can lead to higher costs and less choice. Finnish competition policy addresses anti-competitive practices through a specialized legal framework, notably the competition law (kilpailulaki) and enforcement by the authority Kilpailu- ja kuluttajavirasto (KKV).

The word is closely related to kisa, a more informal synonym for a competition or race. Kilpailu also forms several compound terms such as markkinakilpailu (market competition) and kilpailutilanne (competitive situation).