oligopoly

[ ol-i-gop-uh-lee ]

noun

1. the market condition that exists when there are few sellers, as a result of which they can greatly influence price and other market factors. Compare duopoly, monopoly ( def 1 ).

oligopoly

/ ˌɒlɪˈɡɒpəlɪ /

noun

1. economics a market situation in which control over the supply of a commodity is held by a small number of producers each of whom is able to influence prices and thus directly affect the position of competitors

oligopoly

1. Control over the production and sale of a product or service by a few companies.

Derived Forms

• ˌoliˌgopoˈlistic, adjective

Other Words From

• ol·i·gop·o·lis·tic [ol-i-gop-, uh, -, lis, -tik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of oligopoly¹

First recorded in 1890–95; oligo- + (mono)poly

Word History and Origins

Origin of oligopoly¹

C20: from oligo- + Greek pōlein to sell, on the model of monopoly

Example Sentences

Their dominance is so strong that many EDA startups specialize in one niche use and then sell themselves to one of these three companies, further cementing the oligopoly.

From MIT Technology Review

Combating potential oligopolies, asymmetries of power between landlords and tenants, high rents, and overly high home prices begins with ensuring housing abundance.

From Vox

I believe that markets are much broader, even in oligopoly markets, where you say there could be coordinated pricing.

From Freakonomics

Putting forward a strong economic case enabled the movement to gain traction among leading business networks and even blue-collar workers, who often look to the country’s oligopolies for political cues.

From Time

On the other hand, Israel's banking oligopoly feels to ordinary consumers like a protection racket.

From The Daily Beast

It worked in broadcast TV, when we had three big networks and they operated an oligopoly.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• cartel
• holding
• ownership
• patent
• trust