n. any performance situation structured in such a way that success depends on performing better than others. Interpersonal competition involves individuals striving to outperform each other; intergroup competition involves groups competing against other groups, with such groups including both small, face-to-face gatherings and very large groups, such as nations; intragroup competition involves individuals within a group trying to best each other. Because competing individuals sometimes increase their chances of success by actively undermining others’ performances, such goal structures can lead to conflict. Compare cooperation. —competevb.—competitiveadj.