contention

 
Pronunciation: /kənˈtɛnʃ(ə)n/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] heated disagreement: the captured territory was the main area of contention between the two countries
  • 2 [count noun] an assertion, especially one maintained in argument: Freud’s contention that all dreams were wish fulfilment

Phrases

in (or out of) contention

having (or not having) a good chance of success in a contest: three penalties kept the team firmly in contention Heather’s error in the race put her out of contention

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin contentio(n-), from contendere 'strive with' (see contend)