What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
duopoly
Example
The soft drink industry is a duopoly, with Coca-Cola and PepsiCo controlling the majority of the market. [duopoly: noun]
Example
The airline industry is dominated by a duopoly between Delta and American Airlines. [duopoly: prepositional phrase]
monopoly
Example
The government granted the power company a monopoly over electricity distribution in the region. [monopoly: noun]
Example
The tech giant has a monopoly on the smartphone market, with no other competitors able to match their dominance. [monopoly: prepositional phrase]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Monopoly is a more commonly used term than duopoly in everyday language, as it is a more extreme and well-known concept. However, duopoly is still an important term in economics and business, especially in industries where only two companies dominate the market.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between duopoly and monopoly?
Both duopoly and monopoly are formal terms used in economics and business contexts. However, monopoly may be more commonly used in everyday language and may have a stronger negative connotation due to its potential negative impact on the market and consumers.
