rivalry

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “rivalry” is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to competition or animosity between two or more parties. For example: “The rivalry between the two teams on the football field was intense.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Deteriorating relations between the US and Russia over Ukraine, the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and rifts between the backers of Syria's fragmented opposition have sapped hope that a meaningful political process can take place.

The Guardian

Not only does absence make hearts grow fonder, it can apparently intensify rivalry.

The Guardian - Sport

It went way beyond Fleet Street's traditional dog-eat-dog rivalry.

The Guardian

"We don't really talk too much nowadays because of the rivalry, but that's not really a problem because it brings out the best in us.

The Guardian - Sport

Such was local rivalry that announcers are still forced to refer to BBC Salford, not Manchester.

The Guardian

He also spoke about his friendship with Armstrong – "an awesome person and, as far as I'm concerned, a punk rocker" – with whom he "trash talks" about their cycling rivalry.

The Guardian - Music

A fascinating, brilliantly written long-form read from SBNation.com about a famous football rivalry in an even more famous city.

The Guardian

Art is an endless game of copying, parody and rejection: imitation and rivalry.

The Guardian - Arts

It would be like Spurs and Arsenal fans supporting London United... "I'm not on a competing platform – we are in a league where there is no rivalry between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan [Kolkata's two biggest teams].

The Guardian

When Rosberg blocked Hamilton's attempt to secure pole here a year ago a rivalry that was already intense became something darker.

The Guardian - Sport

These are evenly matched teams with a rivalry born in playoff disappointments and MLS Cups.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rivalry" to describe ongoing competition, especially when there's a history or established relationship between the competitors.

Common error

Avoid using "rivalry" to describe one-off competitions or situations lacking a sustained competitive relationship. "Competition" or "contest" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rivalry" is as a noun, denoting a state of competition or antagonism. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in describing relationships between competing entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rivalry" is a noun that describes a state of competition or antagonism. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When writing, "rivalry" is best used to describe ongoing competitive relationships, not isolated events. Consider alternatives like "competition" or "antagonism" for slightly different nuances. Understanding these nuances helps ensure precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competition

General term for striving against others.

contention

Emphasizes the act of disputing or contending.

antagonism

Highlights mutual hostility or opposition.

feud

Implies a long-standing and bitter conflict.

conflict

A broad term for serious disagreement or argument.

discord

Focuses on lack of agreement or harmony.

opposition

Highlights resistance or disagreement.

struggle

Emphasizes effort and difficulty in competition.

clash

Suggests a direct confrontation or collision.

strife

Implies bitter and sometimes violent conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "rivalry" in a sentence?

You can use "rivalry" to describe the competitive relationship between entities, as in, "The long-standing rivalry between the two companies led to innovative products."

What words can I use instead of "rivalry"?

Alternatives include "competition", "contention", or "antagonism", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "rivalry" and "competition"?

"Rivalry" suggests a more personal and often intense ongoing competition, while "competition" is a more general term for striving against others.

Is "rivalry" formal or informal?

"Rivalry" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in news and general media.