C1nounbusinessmoney
US/məˈnɑː.pə.lɪst/
UK/məˈnɒp.ə.lɪst/
a person or company that controls all or almost all of a market, so customers have no other choice
In context
The government accused the company of acting as a monopolist in the cell phone market.
A monopolist can raise prices because customers have nowhere else to go.
The article describes the firm as a ruthless monopolist that crushed every small competitor.
Words that go with monopolist
adjective + noun
- state monopolistThe state monopolist controls all rail travel.
- natural monopolistWater supply is often run by a natural monopolist.
- ruthless monopolistCritics called him a ruthless monopolist.
verb + preposition
- act as a monopolistThe firm was accused of acting as a monopolist.
verb + noun
- break up a monopolistRegulators may break up the monopolist.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Monopolist is bad for consumers.Correct: A monopolist is bad for consumers.