monopoly

word

/məˈnɑpəɫi/
muh-NAH-puh-lee
/mənˈɒpəli/
muh-NO-puh-lee

Definition

A monopoly is a situation where one company or group controls all or nearly all of the business or supply of a product or service, so there is little or no competition.

Usage & Nuances

Used mainly in business, economics, and law. Common in phrases like 'natural monopoly', 'state monopoly', or 'hold a monopoly on'. Also the name of a popular board game, but that is a separate usage.

Example Sentences

A monopoly makes it hard for new businesses to compete.

basic

Governments sometimes break up a monopoly to protect consumers.

basic

Tech giants are often accused of trying to build a monopoly online.

natural

My brother always wins at Monopoly, even though I try my best!

natural

The company has a monopoly on electricity in the region.

basic

When one company controls everything, prices usually go up due to their monopoly.

natural