Competitiveness vs. Competition — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 30, 2024
Competitiveness refers to the qualities or attributes that enable success in competition, focusing on performance and efficiency, while competition is the act or process of competing between entities for resources, recognition, or victory.
Difference Between Competitiveness and Competition
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Competitiveness is an inherent characteristic or condition that defines the capability of an individual, organization, or country to outperform others. It embodies attributes such as efficiency, innovation, and productivity that contribute to performance in various fields. On the other hand, competition refers to the interaction between two or more parties striving to achieve a goal that cannot be shared, such as winning a race, securing a business deal, or gaining market share.
While competitiveness is about the traits that enable success in competitive environments, competition is the actual engagement in such activities. Competitiveness can be seen as a measure of how well entities are prepared for competition, focusing on their strengths and potential for success. Conversely, competition is the scenario in which these entities apply their competitive traits to strive for superiority or dominance.
In sports, competitiveness might refer to an athlete’s drive, skill level, and physical condition, which make them strong competitors. Meanwhile, competition is the event or league in which these athletes participate and demonstrate their competitiveness. In business, a company's competitiveness could be gauged by its innovation, customer service, and operational efficiency, while competition would be the marketplace where these businesses vie for customers.
Competitiveness is often used to discuss strategies and improvements, such as how a nation can enhance its educational system or technological infrastructure to boost its economic competitiveness. In contrast, competition might be analyzed to understand the dynamics and outcomes of specific competitive interactions, such as how businesses react to and evolve within competitive markets.
Both competitiveness and competition are crucial in driving improvements and excellence. Competitiveness motivates preparations and enhancements, whereas competition tests these preparations in real-world scenarios, providing feedback that can lead to further refinements and competitive strategies.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The quality of being able to succeed in competition; preparedness for competitive challenges.
The act of contending with others for something.
Focus
Attributes and capabilities.
Engagement and interaction.
Context
Individual, organizational, or national readiness and potential.
Events, markets, or scenarios where entities compete.
Examples
Innovation, productivity, skill level.
Sports leagues, market rivalry, academic contests.
Measurement
Often assessed through rankings or performance metrics.
Outcomes like winning, market share, or recognition.
Compare with Definitions
Competitiveness
The ability of a company to maintain an edge over competitors through superior performance.
The firm's competitiveness is due to its exceptional customer service and innovative products.
Competition
An organized event in which participants try to win.
She participated in a cooking competition to showcase her culinary skills.
Competitiveness
The attribute of a person that drives them to be successful in contests.
Her competitiveness makes her a top contender in national chess tournaments.
Competition
The activity or condition of competing against others for a prize or superiority.
The competition between the two leading tech companies is fierce.
Competitiveness
A characteristic of being better able to succeed in competitive environments.
Continuous training and development boost an employee's competitiveness.
Competition
The struggle between organisms for essential resources like food or territory.
Natural competition in ecosystems can determine the dominant species.
Competitiveness
The readiness of a country to attract and maintain businesses and skilled labor.
Improving technology infrastructure has enhanced the country's competitiveness.
Competition
The rivalry among businesses to attract customers and achieve higher sales.
The competition in the smartphone market has led to rapid innovations.
Competitiveness
The condition of being more efficient, productive, and innovative.
The company’s competitiveness is reflected in its market-leading efficiency.
Competition
Academic or sporting contests where participants aim to outperform each other.
The annual academic competition draws participants from schools nationwide.
Competitiveness
Of, involving, or determined by competition
Competitive games.
Competition
Competition is a rivalry where two or more parties strive for a common goal which cannot be shared: where one's gain is the other's loss (an example of which is a zero-sum game). Competition can arise between entities such as organisms, individuals, economic and social groups, etc.
Competitiveness
Liking competition or inclined to compete
A highly competitive teammate.
Competition
The act of competing, as for profit or a prize; rivalry.
Competitiveness
(Biochemistry) Relating to the inhibition of enzyme activity that results from an alternate compound binding reversibly to the site on an enzyme where the substrate would normally bind.
Competition
A test of skill or ability; a contest
A skating competition.
Competitiveness
The state of being competitive.
Competition
Rivalry between two or more businesses striving for the same customer or market.
Competitiveness
An agressive willingness to compete.
Competition
A competitor
The competition has cornered the market.
Competitiveness
An aggressive willingness to compete;
The team was full of fight
Competition
(Ecology) The simultaneous demand by two or more organisms for a limited environmental resource, such as nutrients, living space, or light.
Competition
(uncountable) The action of competing.
The competition for this job is strong.
Competition
(countable) A contest for a prize or award.
The newspaper is featuring a competition to win a car.
Competition
The competitors in such a contest.
The new stain remover was ten times more effective than the competition.
Competition
The act of seeking, or endeavoring to gain, what another is endeavoring to gain at the same time; common strife for the same objects; strife for superiority; emulous contest; rivalry, as for approbation, for a prize, or as where two or more persons are engaged in the same business and each seeking patronage; - followed by for before the object sought, and with before the person or thing competed with.
Competition to the crown there is none, nor can be.
A portrait, with which one of Titian's could not come in competition.
There is no competition but for the second place.
Where competition does not act at all there is complete monopoly.
Competition
A business relation in which two parties compete to gain customers;
Business competition can be fiendish at times
Competition
An occasion on which a winner is selected from among two or more contestants
Competition
The act of competing as for profit or a prize;
The teams were in fierce contention for first place
Competition
The contestant you hope to defeat;
He had respect for his rivals
He wanted to know what the competition was doing
Common Curiosities
Why is competition important in the market?
Competition in the market is crucial as it drives innovation, improves quality, and leads to better choices and prices for consumers.
Can you measure competitiveness?
Yes, competitiveness can be measured using various metrics, including productivity indices, innovation scores, and economic performance.
What is competition?
Competition is the process or activity of competing against others, often in a structured and organized way, for resources, recognition, or victory.
How does competitiveness affect competition?
Higher competitiveness generally enhances performance in competitions by ensuring better preparation and capability to succeed.
What are the effects of competition on individuals?
Competition can motivate individuals to improve their skills and performance but can also lead to stress and anxiety if not managed properly.
How can a company improve its competitiveness?
A company can improve its competitiveness through innovation, improving operational efficiency, investing in talent development, and enhancing customer service.
What is competitiveness?
Competitiveness is the set of qualities that makes an entity—be it an individual, organization, or country—capable of outperforming competitors.
Is competition always beneficial?
While competition can drive improvements and efficiency, excessive competition may lead to unethical behaviors and stress, which can be counterproductive.
How do countries enhance national competitiveness?
Countries enhance competitiveness by investing in education, infrastructure, technology, and creating favorable business environments.
What role does competitiveness play in sports?
In sports, competitiveness is key to achieving excellence and victory, motivating athletes to train harder and perform better.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
