tough competition
Strong rivalry
Littéralement: Hard or difficult (tough) + the act of competing (competition)
En 15 secondes
- Used when opponents are highly skilled and hard to beat.
- Common in sports, business, and academic contexts.
- Acknowledges a challenge without sounding like you are giving up.
Signification
This phrase describes a situation where you are up against very strong or talented opponents. It means winning will be difficult because everyone else is just as good as you are.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing a job interview
I really want the position, but I know there's some tough competition.
أريد الوظيفة حقاً، لكنني أعلم أن هناك منافسة شديدة.
After a basketball game
We played well, but they were just tough competition today.
لقد لعبنا جيداً، لكنهم كانوا منافسين أقوياء اليوم.
Texting a friend about a video game
Man, this online lobby has some seriously tough competition tonight!
يا رجل، هذه المجموعة عبر الإنترنت بها منافسة شديدة الليلة!
Contexte culturel
In the US, 'tough competition' is often celebrated. The 'American Dream' is built on the idea that competing hard leads to success. It is common to hear parents encourage children by saying, 'Tough competition makes you better.' While competition is intense (especially in education), the language used often emphasizes 'effort' (ganbaru) rather than just the 'toughness' of the rivals. However, the concept of 'Exam Hell' is the ultimate example of tough competition. The British often use 'stiff competition' alongside 'tough competition.' There is a cultural value placed on 'fair play,' so competition is expected to be tough but always within the rules. In Brazil, 'tough competition' is most frequently discussed in the context of football (soccer). The phrase 'competição acirrada' is used to describe the high level of talent in local leagues.
Use 'Face' or 'Up Against'
To sound like a native, use the verbs 'face' or 'be up against' with this phrase. 'We are up against some tough competition' sounds much more natural than 'We have a tough competition.'
Don't say 'Hard'
While 'hard' is a synonym for 'tough,' native speakers almost never say 'hard competition.' Stick to 'tough,' 'stiff,' or 'fierce.'
En 15 secondes
- Used when opponents are highly skilled and hard to beat.
- Common in sports, business, and academic contexts.
- Acknowledges a challenge without sounding like you are giving up.
What It Means
Imagine you are running a race. Usually, you are the fastest. But today, everyone at the starting line looks like an Olympic athlete. That is tough competition. It means the standard is high. It means you cannot win by just showing up. You have to give 110% because your rivals are skilled, determined, and ready to win.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a noun. You can say you are "facing" it or "up against" it. It works for sports, business, or even dating. If you are applying for a job and 500 people sent resumes, you tell your friend, "There is some tough competition for this role." It sounds natural and realistic. It shows you respect the challenge ahead.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound objective. It is perfect for a post-match interview or a business meeting. Use it when you want to explain why something is hard without sounding like a loser. It acknowledges that the other side is good. You can use it in a text to a friend who is nervous about a game. It helps validate their feelings. "Don't worry, it's tough competition, just do your best!"
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things that are just annoying. If your computer is slow, that is not tough competition. If you are fighting with your sibling over the last slice of pizza, calling it tough competition sounds a bit too dramatic (unless you are being funny). Also, avoid it if the challenge is just a physical task, like climbing a mountain. Mountains don't compete back!
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, especially in the US and UK, competition is often seen as healthy. Calling it tough is actually a compliment to everyone involved. It suggests a high-level arena. In business, CEOs love this phrase. It makes their victories sound more impressive. If you beat tough competition, you are seen as a top-tier performer. It is the language of winners and strivers.
Common Variations
You might hear people say stiff competition or fierce competition. They mean almost the same thing. Stiff sounds a bit more formal or old-fashioned. Fierce sounds more aggressive, like a battle. Tough is the most common, everyday version. It is the "Goldilocks" of phrases—not too formal, not too casual. It is just right for almost any situation.
Notes d'usage
This is a very safe, versatile collocation. It fits perfectly in both professional emails and casual locker-room talk. Just remember to use 'tough' as the adjective to sound most natural.
Use 'Face' or 'Up Against'
To sound like a native, use the verbs 'face' or 'be up against' with this phrase. 'We are up against some tough competition' sounds much more natural than 'We have a tough competition.'
Don't say 'Hard'
While 'hard' is a synonym for 'tough,' native speakers almost never say 'hard competition.' Stick to 'tough,' 'stiff,' or 'fierce.'
Respect the Rival
Using 'tough competition' is actually a compliment to your rivals. It shows you acknowledge their skill.
Exemples
6I really want the position, but I know there's some tough competition.
أريد الوظيفة حقاً، لكنني أعلم أن هناك منافسة شديدة.
Expressing realistic expectations about a career move.
We played well, but they were just tough competition today.
لقد لعبنا جيداً، لكنهم كانوا منافسين أقوياء اليوم.
Showing sportsmanship by praising the opponent.
Man, this online lobby has some seriously tough competition tonight!
يا رجل، هذه المجموعة عبر الإنترنت بها منافسة شديدة الليلة!
Casual use among friends in a gaming context.
My grandma’s apple pie is tough competition for my basic cookies.
فطيرة التفاح التي تصنعها جدتي هي منافس قوي لملفاتي البسيطة.
Comparing two unequal things for a funny effect.
With the new tech startup entering the market, we face tough competition.
مع دخول الشركة التقنية الناشئة الجديدة إلى السوق، نواجه منافسة شديدة.
Analyzing market threats in a formal setting.
It was tough competition at the science fair, and I'm so proud of you.
كانت المنافسة شديدة في معرض العلوم، وأنا فخور جداً بك.
Validating effort despite a difficult challenge.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct collocation.
The new smartphone brand is facing ______ competition from Apple and Samsung.
'Tough competition' is the most natural and common collocation in English.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a professional context?
Select the best option:
This correctly identifies 'competition' as a rivalry between people for a specific goal (the manager role).
Fill in the missing line in this dialogue.
A: 'Are you worried about the marathon?' B: 'Yes, there are some professional runners entering this year, so ________.'
'There is tough competition' is the standard way to describe the existence of strong rivals.
Match the adjective to the type of competition.
Match 'Cut-throat', 'Stiff', and 'Tough' to their best descriptions.
These nuances help distinguish between similar collocations.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where you find Tough Competition
Business
- • Tech Startups
- • Fast Food
- • Retail
Sports
- • Olympics
- • World Cup
- • Local Finals
Life
- • Job Hunting
- • University
- • Dating
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesThe new smartphone brand is facing ______ competition from Apple and Samsung.
'Tough competition' is the most natural and common collocation in English.
Select the best option:
This correctly identifies 'competition' as a rivalry between people for a specific goal (the manager role).
A: 'Are you worried about the marathon?' B: 'Yes, there are some professional runners entering this year, so ________.'
'There is tough competition' is the standard way to describe the existence of strong rivals.
Match 'Cut-throat', 'Stiff', and 'Tough' to their best descriptions.
These nuances help distinguish between similar collocations.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsIt's usually neutral but can be positive. It describes a difficult reality, but in many cultures, it's seen as a way to improve oneself.
Yes, if you are referring to a specific event, like 'The bake-off was a tough competition.' If you mean the general concept of rivals, don't use 'a'.
'Tough' focuses on the difficulty of winning. 'Fierce' focuses on the intensity and passion of the rivals.
Yes, it is very common in business, economics, and sociology papers.
No, you would say 'He is a tough competitor,' not 'He is a tough competition.'
Expressions liées
stiff competition
synonymVery similar to tough competition, but slightly more formal.
fierce competition
similarCompetition that is intense and perhaps aggressive.
cut-throat competition
specialized formExtremely aggressive competition where rivals try to destroy each other.
a level playing field
contrastA situation where everyone has the same opportunities.
