What does vying mean?
Vying means competing or contending with others for something valuable or desirable, such as a prize, a position, control, recognition, or an opportunity. It is the present participle of the older verb vie and is especially familiar in expressions such as vying for position or attention. The word conveys active rivalry and can suggest determination, ambition, or intense competition, although its tone is often more literary or dramatic than that of the plainer competing. Vying may describe people, organizations, teams, products, or even fictional characters competing for the same objective or audience. It can also appear in headlines and descriptions of contests, elections, auctions, and creative fields. Although vying may seem elaborate beside competing, it gives a sentence a sense of sustained struggle and sharply emphasizes the contested goal. The word ultimately derives from a Latin term meaning to conquer, preserving the long history of its central idea: rivalry between competitors seeking an advantage.
verbTo compete or contend with another for something, especially a position, advantage, resource, or opportunity. It is the present participle of the verb vie.
- To compete or contend with another for a position, advantage, resource, or opportunity.
"Several ambitious entrepreneurs were vying for the same contract."
"The two teams spent the final minutes vying for control of the field."
"She was one of several candidates vying for a place on the committee."
"The novel's competing narrators seem to be vying for the reader's attention."
Vying is rivalry in motion—and its Roman ancestor meant “to conquer.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vying come from?
Vying is the present participle of vie. The verb entered English from Old French and ultimately derives from Latin vincere, meaning “to conquer” or “to defeat.” Its modern sense of competing or contending continues that older idea of rivalry, while the form vying reflects the standard English change of a final y to i before the ending -ing.
Related word forms
How vying is actually used
Vying is standard in British and American English and often has a slightly literary or dramatic tone. It is especially common in the construction “vying for,” meaning competing for a prize, position, opportunity, or share of attention.