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

Mr. Trump insisted that American manufacturing companies deserve a level playing field.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 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

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

This phrase, like level playing field, is getting overworked.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner