Federal positions normally filled through open competitive examination nder civil service rules and regulations About 60 percent of all Federal positions are in the competitive service
Competitive is used to describe situations or activities in which people or firms compete with each other. Only by keeping down costs will America maintain its competitive advantage over other countries Japan is a highly competitive market system Universities are very competitive for the best students. + competitively com·peti·tive·ly He's now back up on the slopes again, skiing competitively in events for the disabled
Goods or services that are at a competitive price or rate are likely to be bought, because they are less expensive than other goods of the same kind. Only those homes offered for sale at competitive prices will secure interest from serious purchasers. + competitively com·peti·tive·ly a number of early Martin and Gibson guitars, which were competitively priced. + competitiveness com·peti·tive·ness It is only on the world market that we can prove the competitiveness and quality of our goods
showing a fighting disposition without self-seeking; "highly competitive sales representative"; "militant in fighting for better wages for workers"; "his self-assertive and ubiquitous energy"