level playing field

American  

noun

1. a state of equality; an equal opportunity.

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level playing field British  

noun

1. a situation in which none of the competing parties has an advantage at the outset of a competitive activity

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Etymology

Origin of level playing field

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

I know the likelihood of not having the same opportunities as everyone else, and I want to make sure there’s a level playing field.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2026

"They are a response to the failure of multilateral institutions and negotiations to achieve fairness in terms of market access and a level playing field," he said.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

But the sport, which does everything in its power to maintain a level playing field, is explicitly designed to prevent this.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

"We do our best to create a level playing field, I make no apologies for that."

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

But most do not see a level playing field.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times