competitive pursuit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competitive pursuit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of striving to win or excel in a competitive environment, such as sports, business, or academics. Example: "In the world of professional sports, competitive pursuit drives athletes to push their limits and achieve greatness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

(No need to enter the rat race of encouraging the conspicuous consumption of clothes, furnishings, and equipment or the competitive pursuit of Good Taste).

The Guardian

But as Tocqueville saw, the competitive pursuit of wealth requires the stamina of youth and can be haunted by the fear of age and death.

The New York Times - Magazine

In comparison, West German anglers were obliged to observe a nighttime ban, were restricted to certain waters and viewed fishing as more of an ecological than competitive pursuit.

The Guardian

Invisibility is a central terror of the narcissist, and in our world of hyper-individualism, the competitive pursuit of attention produces winners and losers, those who painfully feel passed over and excluded.

The Guardian

Why is she getting more money?' " Barry, who has had a spectacular first season, wondered if the disharmony might stem from the competitive pursuit of scholarship money that began when the athletes were young swimmers seeking the attention of college coaches.

The New York Times - Sports

Back in the '90s, they should be told, Mr. Myers was without peer in a challenging and intensely competitive pursuit: the manufacture of comical catchphrases that, while not especially funny in themselves, would call forth peals of knowing laughter when repeated out of context.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Time spent with horses combined with intellectual academic pursuit helps us realize when equine welfare standards are exceeded by our competitive pursuits.

The New York Times

And third, in competitive pursuits such as betting on shares, they forget that they have to judge their skills against those of the competition.The anchor effect.

The Economist

They have filmed themselves in a variety of highly competitive pursuits (racing, climbing, urinating), and they have roughed each other up in at least one short, mock-brutish action film.

The New York Times - Arts

Alas, it's not enough to merely compare football to inferior competitive pursuits.

Vice

In subsequent years all of my competitive pursuits were strictly academic.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the ethical implications of a situation, use "competitive pursuit" to highlight the potential downsides of unchecked ambition.

Common error

Avoid using "competitive pursuit" when a simpler term like "competition" or "striving" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competitive pursuit" functions as a noun phrase, where "competitive" modifies the noun "pursuit". Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "competitive pursuit" is a grammatically sound way to describe striving for a goal in a rivalrous environment. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides examples spanning News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While the phrase itself is neutral, it often carries connotations of ambition and intensity. For similar ideas, consider alternatives like "intense rivalry" or "vigorous striving". When writing, ensure the context warrants the intensity implied by "competitive pursuit", as simpler terms may sometimes suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cutthroat competition

Highlights the ruthlessness and intensity of the rivalry.

intense rivalry

Highlights the adversarial nature of the competitive situation.

aggressive competition

Highlights the active and forceful nature of the competitive activity.

zealous competition

Emphasizes the enthusiasm and fervor involved in the competition.

fervent ambition

Emphasizes the strong desire for success in a competitive environment.

vigorous striving

Focuses on the effort and energy expended in the competitive endeavor.

determined effort

Highlights the resolve and persistence in the competitive activity.

dog-eat-dog world

Emphasizes that only the best will survive.

ambitious undertaking

Emphasizes the scale and scope of the competitive activity.

spirited contest

Focuses on the lively and energetic nature of the competition.

FAQs

How can I use "competitive pursuit" in a sentence?

You can use "competitive pursuit" to describe someone's eagerness to win or be the best. For example: "Her "competitive pursuit" of a promotion led her to work long hours."

What phrases are similar to "competitive pursuit"?

Alternatives include "intense rivalry", "vigorous striving", or "zealous competition", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is "competitive pursuit" a formal or informal phrase?

"Competitive pursuit" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to be more common in formal writing, especially when discussing business or sports.

What is the difference between "competitive pursuit" and "pursuit of excellence"?

"Competitive pursuit" emphasizes the rivalry and desire to outperform others, while "pursuit of excellence" focuses on striving for personal improvement and high standards, regardless of competition.