What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oligopolistic
Example
The airline industry is oligopolistic, with only a few major players controlling the market. [oligopolistic: adjective]
Example
The oligopolistic nature of the telecommunications industry has led to high prices for consumers. [oligopolistic: adjective]
monopolistic
Example
The electric company has a monopolistic hold on the market in this area. [monopolistic: adjective]
Example
The government has regulations in place to prevent monopolistic practices that harm consumers. [monopolistic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Monopolistic is more commonly used than oligopolistic in everyday language, as it is a more extreme form of limited competition. However, both words are more commonly used in academic and business contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between oligopolistic and monopolistic?
Both oligopolistic and monopolistic are formal words that are typically used in academic and business contexts.
