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Cartels Meaning in English

word · lemma: cartel

kɑɹˈtɛɫz
kar-TELZ
kɑːtˈɛlz
kaa-TELZ

Definition

Groups of independent businesses or organizations that join together to control prices, limit competition, or dominate a market. It can refer to both legal and illegal groups, such as drug cartels.

Usage & Nuances

In economic contexts, refers to groups that fix prices or markets (e.g., oil cartels). In news and conversation, 'cartels' often means organized crime groups, especially drug cartels. Plural form emphasizes more than one group.

Example Sentences

The police arrested leaders of two dangerous cartels.

basic

Oil cartels set the prices for much of the world.

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The government wants to break up illegal cartels.

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Rumors say the two biggest cartels are now working together.

natural

It's hard for small companies to compete when cartels control the market.

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Some cartels use violence to keep their power.

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