Competitor/kəmˈpetɪtər/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Competitive Spirit Refers to someone's drive to win or succeed against others. His competitive spirit makes him a tough competitor. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Negative 'Competitor' doesn't imply hostility, can be friendly or professional rivalry. Despite being competitors, the two athletes respected each other. Pro Tip 3/3Used in Sports Commonly used in sports to describe athletes or teams in the same event. There were five competitors in the final race.