challenger

Everyday

1. A person or team that tries to beat the champion or winner in a competition. tree →
2. A person who questions whether something is right or true. tree →

In the lessons

Used in sport and games (the challenger fights the champion), in elections (a challenger tries to win a seat), and in debate. It tells the reader who is trying to take the top place. Phrases: the challenger to, a new challenger, strong challenger.

Examples

• The young challenger beat the champion in the final. tree →
• A new challenger has entered the chess club. tree →
• The challenger trained hard for the boxing match. tree →
• She was a strong challenger for the title. tree →
• In the election, the challenger won more votes. tree →
• Every challenger must pass three tests. tree →
• The challenger questioned the referee's decision. tree →

Note

Countable: challengers. From challenge. Opposite role: champion, holder. Does not always mean the person is rude; it means they compete or question.