could not compete vs was not able to compete

Both "could not compete" and "was not able to compete" are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Could not compete" implies a lack of ability or opportunity to compete, while "was not able to compete" emphasizes the inability to participate in a competition. The choice between the two depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1225 views

could not compete

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the inability or lack of opportunity to compete.

This phrase is used to express the inability or lack of opportunity to participate in a competition or contest.

Examples:

Due to his injury, he could not compete in the race.
The small company could not compete with the larger corporations.
She could not compete with her sister in the singing competition.

Show examples from the web [+]

If Eurocypria were to stay part of the Group it is also likely that it could not compete on the same routes with Cyprus Airways.
As a result, Haiti lost its self-sufficiency and local smallholder producers were eliminated because they could not compete with highly subsidised rice imports.
I wanted to be enough for you, but I could not compete with... That.
It cannot be the responsibility of the European taxpayer to support the costs of Europe's winegrowers so that they can sell products which could not compete in free market conditions.
For a while, we could sell grains so cheaply anywhere in the world, farmers in other countries who aren't being subsidized could not compete with us.
As long as and to the extent that Deutsche Post enjoyed an exclusive right for certain letter services, its competitors could not compete for that part of the postal market.
Entaco could not compete with Coats by virtue of the agreements it had signed with both Coats and Prym respectively for the UK and Continental Europe at the retail level.
Firstly, it is noted that without automation the Community industry could not conceivably compete with imports of the products originating in countries benefiting from very low cost of energy, raw materials and labour.
National accreditation bodies shall not compete with conformity assessment bodies.
National accreditation bodies shall not compete with other national accreditation bodies.
These fuels do not compete with food production.
Let us not compete so stubbornly for oil and gas markets.
Therefore, these pools do not compete with each other.
'Necessary' usually has to be understood as an activity which does not compete with local service providers.
Secondly, Europe must not compete in terms of social dumping.
Therefore, these pools do not compete with each other.
These agreements should not compete with other relevant treaties such as that of the International Criminal Court.
Yes, we're supposed to discover the mole, not compete with each other.
It was also specifically reported by the Community producer concerned that this PVA did not compete with standard PVA.
The resulting products do not compete on the market with the like product.

Alternatives:

was unable to compete
could not take part in the competition
could not join the race
could not enter the contest

was not able to compete

This phrase is also correct and commonly used in English to indicate the inability to participate in a competition.

This phrase emphasizes the inability to participate in a competition or contest.

Examples:

She was not able to compete in the tournament due to scheduling conflicts.
The team was not able to compete in the championship game.
He was not able to compete with the other candidates for the position.

Show examples from the web [+]

As long as exporting producers practising dumping were taking advantage of unfair trade practices and offered PSF at low prices on the Community market, the Community industry was not able and willing to compete and therefore did not produce these types in the prevailing market circumstances.
Our young people must be able to compete, and not only able to compete, but educational policy must contribute to the development of an individual's identity.
Sachsen Bank will be able to compete in Saxony and outside on its own merits.
After that, IBAG would be an efficient, reorganised undertaking able to compete in the market.
The latter is likely to distort competition more significantly as the aid beneficiary's competitors become less able to compete.
Small and medium-sized enterprises must be able to compete on equal terms.
I was never able to compete again.
I was never able to compete again.
Speaking in the debate, Mr Lehtinen said, "this continent will not be able to compete in the global market if the constituent countries are not able to compete among themselves in the internal market".
These imports were necessary in order to be able to offer a full range of products and be able to compete on the Community market.
Moreover, there would be an additional concern for central banks and banking supervisors if banks which were subject to prudential regulations (and in some countries to reserve requirements) were not able to compete on equal terms with other issuers of electronic purses.
In view of the results indicated above, Sachsen Bank should be able to compete in the Saxony and cross-border financial market on its own merits.
Conventional airlines are thus able to compete better with Low Cost Carriers (LCCs), whose main channel is 'supplier.com'.
Therefore, thanks to the spare capacity, the Union industry would be able to compete for an additional part of the market in short term.
Polish printing works are able to compete in non-EEA markets as well (e.g. Ukraine or Russia).
The latter is likely to distort competition more significantly as the aid beneficiary's competitors become less able to compete [11].
The restructured bank should be able to compete in the market place for capital on its own merits in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements.
It proved to be a viable industry that was able to compete under fair market conditions.
Companies must not be able to compete with each other at the expense of workers' health and safety.
Madam President, we all know that Europe must evolve further into a knowledge-based economy that is better able to compete in world markets.

Alternatives:

could not compete
was unable to participate in the competition
was not capable of competing
was not in a position to compete

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could not compete vs was not able to compete