tough competition — strong competition
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
When there are many people or groups trying hard to win or succeed, making it difficult to stand out or achieve your goal.
Say it like a native
Textbook The candidates faced exceptionally formidable rivalry.
Native There was really tough competition for the job.
'Tough competition' is the natural collocation; 'formidable rivalry' is bookish.
Pattern: tough competition (for/in/between)
In use
- There is tough competition for jobs in the city, so you need to have good qualifications.daily life
- In my country, there is tough competition among students to get into the best universities, so many people study very hard.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ There was a tough competition for the place.
✓ There was tough competition for the place.
'Competition' (rivalry) is uncountable here — no 'a'.
Common collocations
tough competition + for— for the job, face tough competition, from rivals, in the market
Don't confuse it
‘Tough competition’ is stronger than just ‘competition’ and means it is especially hard to succeed.