contending

compete, contend, contest, rival

这些动词均可表示“竞争”之意。
compete: 普通用词，含义广泛。既可指体育活动等活动中争取优胜的相互竞争，也可指为了自己的利益与他人竞争。
contend: 指为战胜或击败对手进行不懈努力，强调拼搏。也可指口头上进行有对立情绪或严重分歧的争论。
contest: 指为争夺土地、阵地、权力或荣誉等而展开的竞争。
rival: 指在两方或多方的竞争或比赛中，谁都想战胜或比得上对手。

动词 contend:

1. maintain or assert
   同义词：contend, postulate
2. have an argument about something
   同义词：argue, contend, debate, fence
3. to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation
   同义词：contest, contend, repugn
4. compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
   同义词：compete, vie, contend
5. come to terms or deal successfully with
   同义词：cope, get by, make out, make do, contend, grapple, deal, manage
6. be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
   同义词：contend, fight, struggle

形容词 contending:

1. striving or struggling in rivalry or battle

1. A hundred schools of thought contend.
   百家争鸣。
2. John has to contend with great difficulties.
   约翰得与那些艰难困苦作斗争。