worthy competitor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worthy competitor" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is a strong rival or who has a chance of winning. For example, "My brother is a worthy competitor, so I'm sure he'll do well in the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But Sanya is a worthy competitor and ran a good race.

The Guardian - Sport

Peter Siddle, waiting in the wings, is a worthy competitor but a blunter blade.

The Guardian - Sport

Choosing his words carefully, Mr. Simon, 49, said, "I look forward to going toe to toe with a worthy competitor".

The New York Times

If the company can solve some image-quality issues while adding wireless, it will have a much more worthy competitor.

The New York Times - Tech

Poujeaux, long a worthy competitor for wines far better known, is my favorite here for its intensity.

The New York Times - Food

One worthy competitor among the entrees is roasted chicken, marinated in olive oil, garlic and smoked paprika.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

He faced worthy competitors.

The New York Times - Food

"They have been worthy competitors," said Bailey.

The Guardian

That left hundreds of worthy competitors.

The New Yorker

JUST JACK -- Britain has had difficulty finding worthy competitors to modern American R & B and rap.

The New York Times - Arts

The lesser Outbacks can be dressed nicely, and they are worthy competitors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ the phrase to show admiration towards a rival that presents difficulties, contributing to elevating the field or competitive environment.

Common error

While "worthy competitor" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing, where simpler terms like "tough opponent" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worthy competitor" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "worthy" modifies the noun "competitor". It generally attributes a positive quality to a rival, suggesting they are respectable and capable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worthy competitor" is a phrase used to describe a rival who is respected for their abilities and the challenge they present. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It frequently appears in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While alternatives like "formidable opponent" or "strong contender" exist, "worthy competitor" conveys a specific sense of respect and acknowledgment. It's best practice to employ this term to convey genuine admiration, and avoid overusing it in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formidable opponent

Emphasizes the strength and difficulty in competing against the rival.

strong contender

Highlights the rival's potential to win or succeed.

capable rival

Focuses on the skill and ability of the competitor.

respectable adversary

Stresses the honorable nature of the competition and the opponent.

credible challenger

Indicates that the rival has a legitimate chance of winning.

serious threat

Highlights the danger the competitor poses to one's own success.

tough competitor

Simple and direct, emphasizing the difficulty of competing.

talented opponent

Focuses on the natural abilities of the competitor.

skillful rival

Highlights the technical expertise of the competitor.

equal match

Suggests a balance in abilities and potential between competitors.

FAQs

How can I use "worthy competitor" in a sentence?

You can use "worthy competitor" to describe someone or something that presents a significant challenge. For example, "The new smartphone is a "worthy competitor" to the established brands".

What are some alternatives to "worthy competitor"?

Alternatives include "formidable opponent", "strong contender", or "capable rival" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to call someone a "worthy competitor"?

It's generally appropriate when you genuinely respect the person or entity's abilities and acknowledge the challenge they present. However, avoid using it sarcastically or insincerely.

What qualities make someone a "worthy competitor"?

A "worthy competitor" typically possesses skill, determination, and a track record of success. They are someone who pushes you to improve and perform at your best.