C1noun formal 3K

Monopoly

🇬🇧 UK /["/məˈnɒpəli/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/məˈnɑːpəli/"]/

Meaning of Monopoly

the complete control of trade in particular goods or the supply of a particular service; a type of goods or a service that is controlled in this way

In simple words: Complete control over a business or market.

Monopoly in a sentence

• The company held a monopoly over the local telecommunications market.
• Monopoly in the pharmaceutical industry can lead to higher drug prices.
• The board game Monopoly is a popular way to pass the time on family nights.
• She won the Monopoly game by owning all the railroads and charging rent.
• Governments often intervene to break up monopolies to promote competition.
• The concept of a monopoly involves exclusive control over a product or service.

How to use Monopoly

Used in economic discussions or legal contexts to describe when one company has no competition. Not commonly used in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

have + monopoly

Memory hint

Think of 'mono' meaning one—imagine one giant company owning everything.

Related words

Collocations with Monopoly

• public
• state
• state-controlled

Synonyms for Monopoly

• dominance
• control
• command
• hegemony
• power

Opposites of Monopoly

• competition
• diversity

Common mistakes with Monopoly

• Confused with 'oligopoly', which means few companies controlling a market.
• Used mistakenly as a verb; 'monopolize' is the correct verb form.
• Misunderstanding the concept and using it in casual contexts.

Frequently asked questions about Monopoly

What does Monopoly mean?

Complete control over a business or market.

What is the definition of Monopoly?

the complete control of trade in particular goods or the supply of a particular service; a type of goods or a service that is controlled in this way

How do you use Monopoly in a sentence?

The company held a monopoly over the local telecommunications market.

Can you give another example of Monopoly?

Monopoly in the pharmaceutical industry can lead to higher drug prices.

What are synonyms for Monopoly?

Common alternatives include dominance, control, command, hegemony, power.

What is the opposite of Monopoly?

Opposite meanings include competition, diversity.

What words go with Monopoly?

It commonly pairs with public, state, state-controlled.

What are common mistakes when using Monopoly?

Confused with 'oligopoly', which means few companies controlling a market. Used mistakenly as a verb; 'monopolize' is the correct verb form. Misunderstanding the concept and using it in casual contexts.

How do you pronounce Monopoly?

US: /["/məˈnɑːpəli/"]/, UK: /["/məˈnɒpəli/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Monopoly formal or informal?

"Monopoly" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Monopoly?

Used in economic discussions or legal contexts to describe when one company has no competition. Not commonly used in everyday conversation.

What CEFR level is Monopoly?

"Monopoly" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.