Is 'contested' only used in legal contexts?

No, it's used in sports, politics, academics, and everyday disputes.

What is the difference between 'disputed' and 'contested'?

'Contested' implies active fighting/challenging, often formally; 'disputed' can mean simply argued about.

Can 'contested' be used as an adjective before a noun?

Yes, e.g., 'a contested election', 'a contested will'.

What's the most common collocation with 'contested'?

'Hotly contested' is very frequent in news reporting.

Is “contested” formal?

Contested is usually formal to neutral in register.

How do you pronounce “contested”?

Contested: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈtɛstɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈtɛstəd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

contested: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/kənˈtɛstɪd/US/kənˈtɛstəd/

Formal to Neutral

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Quick answer

What does “contested” mean?

Something that is challenged, argued against, or disputed.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Something that is challenged, argued against, or disputed.

Not accepted as automatic or straightforward; subject to legal challenge or public debate.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in core meaning or usage.

Connotations

In US contexts, often associated with election results ('contested election') or legal battles. In UK, often associated with wills, seats, or sporting decisions.

Frequency

Similar frequency in both varieties.

Grammar

How to Use “contested” in a Sentence

be + contested + by + [person/group]a contested + [noun]contest + something

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

hotly contestedbitterly contestedheavily contestedclosely contested

medium

legally contestedvigorously contestedactively contestedwidely contested

weak

fiercely contestedstrongly contestedstill contestedoften contested

Examples

Examples of “contested” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The election result was contested by the losing candidate.
He successfully contested the parking fine.

American English

The will is being contested in probate court.
The team contested the referee's call.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

A contested takeover bid.

Academic

A contested concept in political theory.

Everyday

The inheritance was contested by the family.

Technical

A contested election result requiring a recount.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “contested”

Strong

fought-overembattledlitigated

Neutral

disputedchallengeddebated

Weak

questioneddisagreed uponcontroversial

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “contested”

uncontestedunquestionedacceptedagreed

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “contested”

Using 'disputed' for strongly fought-over situations; 'contested' is stronger. Confusing verb and adjective forms: 'They contested the will' vs 'a contested will'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it's used in sports, politics, academics, and everyday disputes.
: 'Contested' implies active fighting/challenging, often formally; 'disputed' can mean simply argued about.
: Yes, e.g., 'a contested election', 'a contested will'.
: 'Hotly contested' is very frequent in news reporting.
: Something that is challenged, argued against, or disputed.
: Contested is usually formal to neutral in register.
: Contested: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈtɛstɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈtɛstəd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“A contested convention”
“A battle of contested wills”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a TEST in court - CONtested means someone is actively challenging something.

Conceptual Metaphor

An argument or decision as a BATTLEFIELD or SPORTING CONTEST.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The election results led to weeks of legal battles.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses 'contested' correctly?