A composition for activation energy rays comprising a specific vinyl ether group-containing compound (A) in which a vinyl ether group is bonded to a secondary or tertiary carbon atom, a polymer (B) having a carboxyl group and/or a hydroxyphenyl group, and a photo-acid generator compound (C) can form a resist pattern having an excellent sensitivity without carrying out any heat treatment at a temperature of 60.degree. C. or more after irradiation.