atomistic competition

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Atomistic Competition

A situation in which perfect competition exists because of the existence of many small companies. Because there are so many companies, no one is able to dominate the market or set prices. This results in low profits but also low cost for clients or consumers. Many believe atomistic competition to be ideal, though it rarely exists in practice.

atomistic competition

see PERFECT COMPETITION.

Collins Dictionary of Economics, 4th ed. © C. Pass, B. Lowes, L. Davies 2005

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monopoly
perfect competition

References in periodicals archive ?

Other versions of competition generate effectively efficient and progressive outcomes without getting ensnared in the 1930s schoolbook assumption of atomistic competition.