competitive in + field
Talking about performance in a market or activity
Use competitive in for areas where competition happens.
The firm remains competitive in international trade.
competitive in vs. competitive with
Competitive in refers to a market, field, or activity. Competitive with compares one thing to another.
Quick answer
How to use competitive with prepositions
Use competitive in for industries, sports, or environments, and competitive with when comparing prices, quality, or performance against another person or company.
The company is highly competitive in the Asian market.
Their prices are competitive with local brands.
She is competitive in academic settings.
Their prices are competitive with local brands.
She is competitive in academic settings.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
competitive with + competitor
Comparing with another person or company
Use competitive with to compare standards, prices, or ability.
Our salaries are competitive with those of larger companies.
competitive against + opponent
Talking about direct rivalry
Competitive against is used when describing performance versus an opponent.
The team was competitive against stronger opponents.
competitive on + price
Talking about a specific basis of competition
Use on to state the factor used for competition.
The product is competitive on price and reliability.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
competitive in
They are competitive in the global market.
Successful or strong within a field or environment.
competitive with
Our fees are competitive with other schools.
Comparable to another person or organisation.
competitive against
The club stayed competitive against top teams.
Able to compete effectively versus opponents.
competitive on
The brand is competitive on price.
Competing strongly in a specific aspect.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using competitive with for industries
Use in when naming a field or market.
✕ The company is competitive with finance. ✓ The company is competitive in finance.Using competitive in for comparisons
Use with when comparing to another group or company.
✕ Our prices are competitive in other brands. ✓ Our prices are competitive with other brands.Confusing competitive and competing
Competitive describes ability or attitude; competing describes participation.
✕ The teams are competitive in the tournament now. ✓ The teams are competing in the tournament now.Missing the comparison object
Competitive with usually needs something to compare against.
✕ Their prices are competitive with. ✓ Their prices are competitive with local stores.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The company is competitive ___ the European market.
2. Our rates are competitive ___ similar services.
3. The airline is competitive ___ price.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I say competitive with competitors?
Yes. It means comparable to or able to compete against them.
What does competitive in mean?
It describes strong performance within a field, market, or activity.
Is competitive against correct?
Yes, especially in sports or direct rivalry contexts.
Related preposition guides
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