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 Pepsi controlling most of the market. [duopoly: noun]
Example
The two major airlines have formed a duopoly, making it difficult for smaller airlines to compete. [duopoly: noun]
oligopoly
Example
The automobile industry is an oligopoly, with a few large companies controlling most of the market. [oligopoly: noun]
Example
The telecommunications industry is dominated by a few large companies, creating an oligopoly. [oligopoly: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Oligopoly is more commonly used than duopoly in everyday language. Oligopoly is a more general term that can be applied to a wider range of industries, while duopoly is a more specific term that refers to a market structure with only two dominant firms.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between duopoly and oligopoly?
Both duopoly and oligopoly are formal terms used in economics and business contexts. However, oligopoly is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while duopoly is less common and typically used in more formal settings.
