cannot compete with

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot compete with" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express that something is not as good or successful as something else and is unable to match or rival it. Example: Our small local business cannot compete with the prices of large national retailers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In many markets, builders cannot compete with the price of foreclosures.

The New York Times

Equity cannot compete with that.

The Economist

Backlit screens cannot compete with this.

Independent

The style cannot compete with the idea".

The Guardian - Music

"You cannot compete with companies like Southwest when that happens".

The New York Times

It just cannot compete with cheap natural gas.

The New York Times

They say they cannot compete with cheap Chinese imports.

The New York Times

"We cannot compete with what the others are offering".

The Guardian - Sport

"Elvis" cannot compete with "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy".

The New York Times

"Our college guys cannot compete with them," Watson said, correctly.

The New York Times - Sports

Telephone wires simply cannot compete with that kind of bandwidth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Provide quantitative data, if available, to support the assertion that something "cannot compete with" another. This strengthens your argument and provides context.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the inability to compete. Instead of saying something "absolutely cannot compete with" another, consider more nuanced phrasing like "faces significant challenges competing with" if the situation isn't entirely hopeless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot compete with" functions as a predicate expressing an inability or disadvantage in comparison to something else. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and common expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot compete with" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate an inability to match or rival something else. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. It frequently appears in news and media, as well as scientific and formal contexts. When using the phrase, clearly state the reason for the inability to compete, and consider alternative phrasing if the situation isn't entirely hopeless. Alternatives such as "is no match for" or "pales in comparison to" can provide nuanced expressions of the same idea. Be careful not to overstate the inability to compete for a balanced and factual representation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is no match for

Emphasizes the clear superiority of one entity over another.

is outmatched by

Highlights the disadvantage of one party in comparison to another.

pales in comparison to

Suggests that one thing appears insignificant when compared to something else.

falls short of

Indicates that something does not reach the required standard when compared.

is overshadowed by

Highlights how one thing is less noticeable or important due to the presence of another.

lacks the capacity to rival

Specifically addresses the deficiency in capability to compete.

is unable to contend with

Focuses on the inability to actively compete or fight against something.

doesn't stand a chance against

Emphasizes the futility of trying to compete.

is at a disadvantage against

Highlights the unfavorable position when competing.

cannot hold a candle to

Suggests that one thing is far inferior to another.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot compete with" in a sentence?

Use "cannot compete with" to indicate that something is inferior or unable to rival something else. For example, "Small businesses cannot compete with the prices of large corporations".

What can I say instead of "cannot compete with"?

You can use alternatives like "is no match for", "is outmatched by", or "pales in comparison to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "cannot compete with" or "can't compete against"?

Both "cannot compete with" and "can't compete against" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice depends on the desired tone and level of formality.

What is the difference between "cannot compete with" and "cannot compare with"?

"Cannot compete with" implies an inability to rival or match something, while "cannot compare with" suggests a lack of similarity or equivalence. The former relates to performance, the latter to characteristics.