Monopoly vs. Perfect Competition: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 16, 2023
A monopoly is where one firm dominates the market with no competition, while perfect competition features many firms selling identical products with no control over price.
Key Differences
A monopoly exists when a single firm dominates a market, allowing it to set prices and control output without competition. On the other hand, perfect competition involves many firms in the market, each selling an identical product and unable to influence price.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
In monopoly, the monopolist can earn long-term super-normal profits due to the lack of competition. Conversely, in perfect competition, firms earn only normal profits in the long run as there are no barriers to entry or exit.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Consumer choice is limited in a monopoly because of the absence of competing products. In perfect competition, consumers have a wide array of choices due to the numerous firms offering identical products.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Monopoly markets may lack innovation as there's no competitive pressure. Perfect competition, with many firms vying for market share, can often lead to innovations and better products.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Pricing in a monopoly is determined by the monopolist and is often higher than in competitive markets. In perfect competition, prices are determined by supply and demand forces, leading to the equilibrium price.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 15, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Market Power
Single firm dominates.
Many firms with no individual market power.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Product Differentiation
Unique product, no close substitutes.
Identical products offered by all firms.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Barriers to Entry
High barriers prevent competition.
No barriers, free entry, and exit.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Pricing Power
Can set price above marginal cost.
Price takers; sell at market-determined price.
Janet White
Nov 15, 2023
Long-Term Profit
Can earn super-normal profits.
Earns only normal profits in the long run.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
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Monopoly and Perfect Competition Definitions
Monopoly
Exclusive possession or control of something.
The company had a monopoly on the software used in schools.
Harlon Moss
Oct 31, 2023
Perfect Competition
A theoretical economic situation with no barriers to entry or exit.
In perfect competition, firms are price takers, not price makers.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Monopoly
A board game in which players buy and sell properties.
We played Monopoly until midnight and I ended up bankrupt.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Perfect Competition
A market where all firms have equal access to consumers and production knowledge.
Though rare, perfect competition offers maximum efficiency and consumer welfare.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Monopoly
A market situation where a single firm controls the entire market.
The diamond industry was once a monopoly controlled by De Beers.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
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Perfect Competition
An idealized market structure in which no participant can influence prices.
Many economists use perfect competition as a benchmark to assess real-world market structures.
Sara Rehman
Oct 31, 2023
Monopoly
The exclusive right granted by a government to trade or produce something.
She secured a monopoly to distribute the product in the region.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Perfect Competition
A market structure characterized by many buyers and sellers of an identical product.
Agricultural markets often come close to perfect competition due to the similarity in crops.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Monopoly
Dominance or undue superiority in a particular field.
He holds a monopoly over the city's entertainment venues.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Perfect Competition
A situation where every firm's actions do not affect the market outcome.
Due to perfect competition, no single firm could influence the market price.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 31, 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).
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Monopoly
A company, group, or individual having exclusive control over a commercial activity.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
FAQs
What is a monopoly?
A monopoly is a market structure where a single firm controls the entire market.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Why might a monopoly result in higher prices?
Monopolies can set prices without competitive pressure, often leading to higher prices for consumers.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
How does perfect competition differ?
Perfect competition involves many firms selling identical products with no control over price.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Can monopolies set their own prices?
Yes, monopolies have the power to set prices due to a lack of competition.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
How does consumer choice compare between the two?
Consumer choice is limited in monopoly but vast in perfect competition due to product variety.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Can new firms easily enter a monopoly?
Monopolies often have high barriers to entry, preventing new firms from entering.
Harlon Moss
Nov 15, 2023
Do monopolies lack innovation?
Monopolies might lack competitive pressure to innovate, though it's not always the case.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
What's an example of a real-world monopoly?
Historically, utilities like electricity and water were often monopolies in many areas.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 15, 2023
Can firms advertise in perfect competition?
Typically not, as products are identical and advertising would not confer an advantage.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Are firms in perfect competition price makers or takers?
In perfect competition, firms are price takers.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Is long-term profit different in these markets?
Monopolies can earn super-normal profits in the long run, while perfect competition ensures only normal profits.
Janet White
Nov 15, 2023
Is perfect competition common in the real world?
Perfect competition is a theoretical ideal, but some markets, like agriculture, come close.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Can a monopoly be legal?
Yes, when granted by the government, like patents for new inventions.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
How is product differentiation in monopoly?
In a monopoly, the product is unique with no close substitutes.
Janet White
Nov 15, 2023
How do monopolies arise?
They can arise from government regulation, ownership of a key resource, or through business tactics.
Harlon Moss
Nov 15, 2023
Do consumers benefit from perfect competition?
Yes, perfect competition often results in lower prices and greater choice for consumers.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
What's a natural monopoly?
A market where economies of scale mean it's efficient for only one firm to supply all consumers.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 15, 2023
How is information flow in perfect competition?
In perfect competition, all firms have equal access to production knowledge and market information.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
How do firms compete in perfect competition?
In perfect competition, firms compete primarily on price since products are identical.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
What drives firms in perfect competition to be efficient?
The need to compete on price and thin margins forces efficiency in perfect competition.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
