competitiveness
UK: kəmˈpetɪtɪvnəs | US: kəmˈpetɪtɪvnəs
n. the quality of being strongly eager to win or succeed, especially in business or sports
n. the ability to compete effectively in a market or field
competitiveness = compete<strive> + itive<adjective suffix> + ness<noun suffix>
- compete (from Latin competere: "to strive together," from com-<together> + petere<to aim, seek>)
- itive (adjective-forming suffix, often indicating tendency or capacity)
- ness (noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin competere, combining com- (together) and petere (to aim or seek). Over time, it evolved into "compete" in English, meaning to strive against others. The suffix -itive turns it into an adjective (competitive), and -ness then nominalizes it, forming competitiveness—the state of being driven to succeed in rivalry.
Her competitiveness made her a top athlete in the tournament.
The company’s global competitiveness relies on innovation.
Healthy competitiveness among students can improve performance.
Critics argue that excessive competitiveness harms workplace morale.
The industry’s competitiveness demands constant adaptation.