Monopoly vs. Monopolistic Competition: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Monopoly is a market with a single seller dominating the entire market, while monopolistic competition involves many sellers offering differentiated but similar products.
Key Differences
In a Monopoly, one company exclusively controls a product or service, setting prices without competition. In contrast, Monopolistic Competition involves multiple firms offering similar, yet non-identical products, leading to competitive pricing and product differentiation.
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Dec 19, 2023
Monopoly markets face no competition, as the single firm is the sole provider, often leading to higher prices and less innovation. Monopolistic Competition, however, sees firms competing closely with others, encouraging innovation and more reasonable pricing to attract consumers.
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Dec 19, 2023
Barriers to entry are typically high in a Monopoly, preventing other firms from entering the market. Monopolistic Competition, on the other hand, usually has low barriers, allowing new competitors to enter easily and increase product variety.
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Dec 19, 2023
In a Monopoly, consumer choice is limited to the offerings of the single company. In Monopolistic Competition, consumers benefit from a wide range of choices due to the variety of products offered by competing firms.
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The economic efficiency is often lower in Monopoly due to lack of competitive pressure. Monopolistic Competition tends to be more efficient economically, as firms strive to innovate and reduce costs to gain market share.
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Comparison Chart
Product Differentiation
None (only one product)
High (similar but not identical products)
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Monopoly and Monopolistic Competition Definitions
Monopoly
The sole provider of a product or service.
Their monopoly in the industry has lasted for decades.
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Monopolistic Competition
A market with differentiated products and many sellers.
Fashion brands operate under monopolistic competition.
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Monopoly
Exclusive control over a market.
The company's monopoly on software has raised concerns.
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Monopolistic Competition
A scenario where firms have some market power despite competition.
In monopolistic competition, companies use branding to distinguish themselves.
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Monopoly
A market situation with no direct competition.
Their monopoly ensures they set the prices unchallenged.
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Monopolistic Competition
A competitive market where firms have a degree of pricing power.
Monopolistic competition allows for slight price variations among similar products.
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Monopoly
A situation where a single company or group owns all or nearly all of the market.
This monopoly is stifling innovation in the sector.
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Monopolistic Competition
A market structure where firms can enter or exit the market with relative ease.
The tech startup scene is characterized by monopolistic competition.
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Dec 09, 2023
Monopoly
Dominance by a single entity in a particular market.
The firm's monopoly leads to higher prices for consumers.
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Dec 09, 2023
Monopolistic Competition
A market structure with many competitors selling similar products.
The restaurant industry is a good example of monopolistic competition.
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Dec 09, 2023
Monopoly
Exclusive control by one group of the means of producing or selling a commodity or service
"Monopoly frequently ... arises from government support or from collusive agreements among individuals" (Milton Friedman).
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Dec 08, 2023
Monopoly
A company, group, or individual having exclusive control over a commercial activity.
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Monopoly
Exclusive possession or control
Arrogantly claims to have a monopoly on the truth.
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Monopoly
Something that is exclusively possessed or controlled
Showed that scientific achievement is not a male monopoly.
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Monopoly
A situation, by legal privilege or other agreement, in which solely one party (company, cartel etc.) exclusively provides a particular product or service, dominating that market and generally exerting powerful control over it.
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Dec 08, 2023
Monopoly
An exclusive control over the trade or production of a commodity or service through exclusive possession.
A land monopoly renders its holder(s) nearly almighty in an agricultural society.
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Monopoly
The privilege granting the exclusive right to exert such control.
Granting monopolies in concession constitutes a market-conform alternative to taxation for the state, while the crown sometimes bestowed a monopoly as an outrageous gift.
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Dec 08, 2023
Monopoly
(metonymy) The holder (person, company or other) of such market domination in one of the above manners.
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Dec 08, 2023
Monopoly
The exclusive power, or privilege of selling a commodity; the exclusive power, right, or privilege of dealing in some article, or of trading in some market; sole command of the traffic in anything, however obtained; as, the proprietor of a patented article is given a monopoly of its sale for a limited time; chartered trading companies have sometimes had a monopoly of trade with remote regions; a combination of traders may get a monopoly of a particular product.
Raleigh held a monopoly of cards, Essex a monopoly of sweet wines.
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Monopoly
Exclusive possession; as, a monopoly of land.
If I had a monopoly out, they would have part on 't.
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Monopoly
The commodity or other material thing to which the monopoly relates; as, tobacco is a monopoly in France.
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Monopoly
(economics) a market in which there are many buyers but only one seller;
A monopoly on silver
When you have a monopoly you can ask any price you like
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Monopoly
Exclusive control or possession of something;
They have no monopoly on intelligence
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Monopoly
A board game in which players try to gain a monopoly on real estate as pieces advance around the board according to the throw of a die
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What characterizes Monopolistic Competition?
Many firms selling differentiated but similar products.
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Dec 19, 2023
What defines a Monopoly?
A market structure where a single firm dominates, without competition.
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What is the pricing strategy in a Monopoly?
The sole firm sets prices without competition.
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Dec 19, 2023
How does a Monopoly affect innovation?
Often negatively, as there's less incentive to innovate.
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How does consumer choice differ in Monopoly vs. Monopolistic Competition?
Limited in Monopoly, wider in Monopolistic Competition.
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Does Monopolistic Competition encourage innovation?
Yes, as firms strive to differentiate their products.
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How do firms compete in Monopolistic Competition?
Through product differentiation and marketing.
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Are new firms able to enter a Monopolistically Competitive market easily?
Yes, due to low barriers to entry.
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Is Monopolistic Competition efficient?
More efficient than Monopoly, but less than perfect competition.
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What is an example of a Monopoly?
A utility company in a region with no competitors.
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Do consumers benefit from Monopolistic Competition?
Yes, through variety and competitive pricing.
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Dec 19, 2023
Can monopolies be broken up?
Yes, through government intervention or market changes.
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Dec 19, 2023
Are monopolies always bad for consumers?
Not always, but they can lead to negative outcomes like high prices.
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Dec 19, 2023
Are monopolies common?
No, they are relatively rare due to regulations and market forces.
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Dec 19, 2023
Can monopolies be legally formed?
It depends on the jurisdiction and industry regulations.
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Dec 19, 2023
How does product quality differ in these market structures?
Monopoly may have less incentive for high quality, while in Monopolistic Competition, quality is a key differentiator.
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Dec 19, 2023
What role does advertising play in Monopolistic Competition?
Crucial for product differentiation.
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Dec 19, 2023
Can you give an example of Monopolistic Competition?
The coffee shop industry.
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Dec 19, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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