Compete with purpose for position (9)
I believe the answer is:
viewpoint
'for position' is the definition.
(viewpoint is a kind of position)
'compete with purpose' is the wordplay.
'compete' becomes 'vie' (synonyms).
'with' becomes 'w' (abbreviation).
'purpose' becomes 'point' (I've seen this before).
'vie'+'w'+'point'='VIEWPOINT'
(Other definitions for viewpoint that I've seen before include "that might be found on hill" , "Place from which to admire the scenery" , "Way of thinking" , "Good outlook here" , "Opinion or position which is particularly good for admiring the scenery" .)