conflict
/kənˈflɪkt/
A state of active opposition or clash between opposing forces, ideas, or interests. It carries a sense of friction and tension, ranging from an internal psychological struggle to a full-scale military war.
In interpersonal contexts, it implies a breakdown in harmony where two parties cannot coexist peacefully due to differing goals or beliefs. Unlike 'argument', which is often verbal and transient, 'conflict' suggests a more deep-seated, enduring state of disagreement.
When used regarding schedules or commitments, it describes a logical impossibility—two events occupying the same time slot. This usage is neutral and clinical, devoid of the emotional volatility found in social or political conflicts.
💬Casual Conversation
I sense a growing conflict from the 'creative visualization' retreat.
I sense a growing conflict from the 'creative visualization' retreat.
It's putting us way behind on deliverables, frankly.
It's putting us way behind on deliverables, frankly.
Meanings
A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one.
The conflict between the two neighboring countries lasted for decades.
A mental struggle between opposing impulses, desires, or beliefs.
She felt a deep inner conflict between her career ambitions and her family duties.
A situation in which two or more things are incompatible or cannot coexist.
There is a clear conflict of interest when the judge is related to the defendant.
A physical fight or a violent struggle between opposing forces.
The soldiers were caught in the middle of a fierce armed conflict.
To be incompatible or at variance with something else.
The new schedule conflicts with my existing appointments.
To clash or be inconsistent with a particular set of facts or beliefs.
The witness's testimony conflicts with the evidence found at the scene.
Examples
The conflict between the two neighboring countries lasted for decades.
She felt a deep inner conflict between her career and family.
There is a clear conflict of interest in this legal case.
The soldiers were caught in the middle of a fierce armed conflict.
The new schedule conflicts with my existing appointments.
The witness's testimony conflicts with the evidence found at the scene.
Collocations & Compounds
armed conflict
A state of open warfare between states or groups.
The nation has been plagued by armed conflict for decades.
civil conflict
A war between organized groups within the same state or country.
The civil conflict led to a massive refugee crisis.
internal conflict
A struggle or disagreement within an individual or a group.
The character's internal conflict was central to the plot.
conflict zone
An area where fighting or war is taking place.
Journalists often risk their lives in conflict zones.
conflict resolution
The process of resolving a dispute or disagreement.
Diplomats are working on conflict resolution to prevent further escalation.
Idioms & Sayings
conflict of interest
A situation in which a person or organization has competing interests or loyalties that could be the basis of, or appear to be the basis of, undue influence in performing their official duties.
The lawyer had to withdraw from the case due to a conflict of interest.
conflict minerals
Minerals (tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold) mined in conditions of civil war and armed conflict, often associated with human rights abuses.
The company is committed to sourcing conflict minerals responsibly.