noun

duopoly

djoo-OP-uh-lee

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Duopoly (noun) means a market condition in which two sellers between them control most of the trade in a particular good or service. Example: “The two airlines run a duopoly on flights between the islands.”

noun

A market condition in which two sellers between them control most of the trade in a particular good or service.

"The two airlines run a duopoly on flights between the islands."

"Regulators worried that the merger would turn the industry into a duopoly."

"In a duopoly, the two firms often watch each other's prices closely."

The domination of a field of activity by just two people or organisations.

"The two parties have kept a duopoly on power for decades."

"Streaming was once a duopoly between two big platforms."

"Critics say a duopoly of publishers controls what gets reviewed."

How to use duopoly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA duopoly is when two big players share control of a market or field between them.

When to use it

It is mostly used in economics and business writing, though it also appears in general commentary about two dominant rivals.

Memory tip

Remember 'duo' for two sellers, unlike a monopoly with one and an oligopoly with several.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

monopoly → oligopoly →

Common pairings

form a duopoly effective duopoly break up the duopoly

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “duopoly” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The two airlines run a _____ on flights between the islands.

Etymology

Duopoly combines the prefix duo-, meaning two, with the suffix -poly, which refers to the number of sellers in a market. It was formed on the model of the older word monopoly.

Origin: English (formed from Greek-derived elements)

Rhymes for duopoly

holy poly moly Roly unholy monopoly oligopoly melancholy

See all rhymes for duopoly →

Frequently asked questions

What does duopoly mean?

A duopoly is a market or field controlled by just two main sellers or players, rather than one (a monopoly) or many.

What is the difference between a duopoly and a monopoly?

A monopoly has a single dominant seller, while a duopoly has two sellers who together hold most of the market.

Can duopoly describe things outside economics?

Yes, it is also used more loosely for any situation where two entities or people dominate a field, not just a commercial market.

What is the meaning of duopoly?

"duopoly" (noun) means a market condition in which two sellers between them control most of the trade in a particular good or service.