What does monopolist mean?
A monopolist is a person or company that has exclusive control of a market, product, or commercial activity, usually making it difficult or impossible for competitors to operate. The word is especially common in economics, competition law, and business reporting, where it can refer either to a business benefiting from a protected monopoly or to one whose control of a market substantially excludes rivals. A monopolist's position may result from patents, government concessions, mergers, control of essential resources, or practices that suppress competition. The term also has a figurative use: someone who dominates a discussion, activity, or market may be described as a monopolist. Unlike the general word monopoly, which names the condition of exclusive control, a monopolist identifies the person or organization exercising that control. Consequently, discussions of a monopolist often concern its pricing power, entry barriers, conduct, or effect on consumers and competing businesses.
nounA person or company that has exclusive control of a market, product, or commercial activity, thereby limiting or excluding competition. The term is also used more generally for a business that exercises dominant or exclusionary control over a market.
- A person or company that has exclusive control of a market, product, or commercial activity, especially to the exclusion of competitors.
"The company became the market monopolist after its competitors were acquired."
"Regulators sought to prevent the dominant monopolist from charging excessive prices."
"A small supplier may struggle to compete with a national monopolist."
The plural is used when referring to more than one person or company with exclusive market control.
"Several monopolists faced regulatory scrutiny."
A monopolist stands at the opposite extreme from open competition: one seller, no meaningful rivals, and the market in their hands.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of monopolist
The word was formed in English from monopoly and the suffix -ist, meaning a person who possesses or exercises a monopoly. Monopoly comes through Latin from Greek monopoleion, a compound of monos, meaning “only,” and polein, meaning “to sell.” The same Greek elements underlie related English words such as monopolize, monopolization, and monopolistic.
Related word forms
How monopolist is actually used
The term is primarily used in economics, business, competition law, and economic history. It can describe either a business holding a legally protected monopoly or one exercising dominant market power, depending on context. In ordinary conversation, it may be used figuratively for a person who monopolizes an activity or conversation.
Easily confused with monopolist
A monopolist is the person or company exercising exclusive control, whereas a monopoly is the market position or arrangement of exclusive control itself.