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

"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

European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic called Monday for "serious" reform of the organisation, insisting that "the level playing field, overcapacity and market policies must be better tackled than in the past".

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

As with any good sport, there are strict rules to ensure a level playing field.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

That rule was designed to prevent any entity from monopolizing state funds for vehicles that weren’t ready for production and to provide a level playing field for smaller manufacturers.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2026

These midsize firms “are getting a more level playing field, which they were denied before,” said Jerry.

From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman