com·pete 
/kəmˈpi:t/ verb
com·petes; com·pet·ed; com·pet·ing /kəmˈpi:t/ verb [no obj] 1 : to try to get or win something (such as a prize or reward) that someone else is also trying to win : to try to be better or more successful than someone or something else
▪ Thousands of applicants are competing for the same job. ▪ She competed against students from around the country. ▪ We are competing with companies that are twice our size. ▪ Did you compete in the track meet on Saturday? 2 : to try to be noticed, accepted, or chosen over something else
▪ The radio and the television were both on, competing for our attention. ▪ competing teams/products/theories
▪ Thousands of applicants are competing for the same job. ▪ She competed against students from around the country. ▪ We are competing with companies that are twice our size. ▪ Did you compete in the track meet on Saturday?
▪ The radio and the television were both on, competing for our attention. ▪ competing teams/products/theories
can't compete
— used to say that one person or thing is much better than another ▪ Store-bought cookies can't compete with homemade ones. [=homemade cookies are much better than store-bought cookies]
