The article reveals the nature of competition and the phenomenology of competitiveness, which attracts attention and becomes the subject of study of various sciences, namely, social anthropology, pedagogical management, pedagogical psychology and more. Based on the generalization of the views of scientists on the research problem, revealed competitiveness as a multi-vector, polyphonic, integrative socially determined characteristic of personality, the development of which is due to external factors (labor market trends, specific socio-cultural situation, mentality, needs and internal conditions). behavioral strategies, professional competencies and personal potential). The essences of such concepts as «competition», «competitiveness», «competitiveness of the person» are analyzed.