The school fosters an atmosphere of 'competition' rather than cooperation. [=it encourages students to compete against each other instead of work together]
Downtown stores are looking for new ways to attract customers in the face of 'competition from' the stores at the mall.
There will be intense/fierce 'competition' for the top spots. [=many people will be trying to get the top spots]
(..) It's very intimidating. You know, I'd love to sit down with you and just pick your brain, if you'd ever be willing. You know, I suppose technically I'm the competition, but I mean, hey, I don't flatter myself... that I'm even in the same league as you. I don't. (..)1999 American Beauty