competitive analysis

USAGE SUMMARY

"competitive analysis" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the process of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of a company's competitors, typically in order to determine how the company can gain an advantage over them. For example, "The business conducted a comprehensive competitive analysis to identify potential weaknesses in the competition's markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As important, or perhaps moreso, for a western CEO to succeed in China, it's crucial to assess the competition in a way that goes beyond traditional competitive analysis of, say, product availability and employment practises.

BBC

Gulliver readers are probably better off just skipping the competitive analysis and being thankful that the American airline industry is healthy enough and competition stiff enough to force the big airlines to make these sorts of upgrades.

The Economist

I do competitive analysis.

The New York Times

Based on the most sensitive data, the competitive analysis is highly classified.

The New York Times

Careful study, he said, could provide an independent check on government claims and a competitive analysis for federal intelligence analysts.

The New York Times

So the time seemed right to gather some of the best-selling midsize sedans for a competitive analysis.

The New York Times

His work before that included time at Apple as director of worldwide customer & competitive analysis and director of Macintosh Platform Marketing.

The Guardian - Tech

I research and upload verified competitive analysis on the top five to 10 companies within an industry or business sector, then invite the vertical.

The Guardian

Our solution was to remove the cost barrier to help businesses position their brand in the marketplace based on solid competitive analysis.

The Guardian

"To the contrary, this reflects an integrated, collaborative and competitive analysis process that's open to all views".

The New York Times

I created a quick competitive analysis for him and tried to keep it light when I presented it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When conducting a "competitive analysis", focus on actionable insights. Identify specific strengths and weaknesses of competitors, and then formulate strategies to exploit those weaknesses or neutralize those strengths.

Common error

Don't limit your "competitive analysis" to direct rivals. Consider indirect competitors that offer alternative solutions or satisfy the same customer needs in different ways. This broader view provides a more comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competitive analysis" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a systematic process of evaluating rivals, providing critical insights for strategic planning. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, from business strategy to intelligence assessments, consistently denoting the act of detailed evaluation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "competitive analysis" is a noun phrase widely used to describe the process of evaluating a company's rivals. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and prevalent across various domains, notably in news, science, and business. It serves to inform strategic decision-making. Related phrases such as "market assessment" or "competitive intelligence" offer alternative ways to frame this concept, while practical writing guidance emphasizes focusing on actionable insights and considering indirect competitors. Overall, "competitive analysis" remains a critical tool for businesses aiming to understand and navigate their market environment effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rival analysis

A more direct synonym, focusing specifically on the analysis of competitors.

competitive landscape analysis

Emphasizes the overall environment in which competition takes place.

competitive intelligence

Emphasizes the gathering and analysis of information to gain a competitive edge.

market assessment

Focuses more broadly on the market rather than specifically on competitors.

competitive positioning

Focuses on how a company differentiates itself from competitors.

threat assessment

Emphasizes identifying potential threats from competitors.

industry benchmarking

Highlights comparing a company's performance against industry standards and best practices.

strategic assessment

Suggests a broader evaluation of a company's strategic position in the market.

market overview

Provides a general view of the market, including key players and trends.

peer review

Focuses on evaluating performance against similar entities.

FAQs

How is "competitive analysis" used in business strategy?

In business strategy, "competitive analysis" informs decision-making by identifying opportunities and threats. It helps companies understand their market position, refine their strategies, and make informed investments.

What are some alternatives to saying "competitive analysis"?

You can use alternatives like "market assessment", "competitive intelligence", or "rival analysis", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "competitive analysis" and market research?

"Competitive analysis" focuses specifically on competitors, while market research is a broader term that includes understanding customer needs, market trends, and the overall industry landscape. Market research often informs a competitive analysis.

How often should a company conduct a "competitive analysis"?

A company should conduct a "competitive analysis" regularly, at least annually, or more frequently in rapidly changing industries. This ensures that the company remains informed about its competitors and can adapt its strategies accordingly.