unfair competition

USAGE SUMMARY

"unfair competition" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe competitive situations in which the rules and regulations of commerce are not applied equally to all participants. For example, "The company is accusing their competitor of engaging in unfair competition by selling below market prices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The obvious one is unfair competition.

The Economist

It is an unfair competition, either way.

University of California, Berkeley

"This will not be unfair competition.

The Guardian

"Private banks will also suffer from unfair competition," he said.

The New York Times

Producers complain about "unfair" competition from countries with laxer standards.

The Economist

If it cut prices, competitors complained about unfair competition.

The Economist

A number of local traders objected, citing unfair competition.

The Economist

Statutory and common law unfair competition and trade secret laws.

Cornell University

You could try just a general unfair competition suit.

Cornell University

commerce against unfair competition". 15 U. S. C. § 1127.

Harvard University

See Restatement (Third) of Unfair Competition § 39 cmt.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "unfair competition", be specific about the actions that constitute the unfair practice. Provide clear examples or evidence to support your claim.

Common error

Don't simply state that a competitor is engaging in "unfair competition" without specifying the exact nature of their actions. Vague allegations can be difficult to prove and may undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfair competition" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a category of business practices. It describes situations where competitive conduct is considered unjust or illegal, violating established norms of commercial fairness. Ludwig confirms its frequent use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfair competition" is a well-established noun phrase used to describe unethical or illegal business practices. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across diverse sources, including news media, academia, and formal business contexts. The phrase functions to label and categorize actions that violate fair competitive norms, expressing disapproval of such conduct. While the register is generally neutral, the specific context can influence its formality. When using the phrase, it's important to be specific about the actions that constitute "unfair competition" and to avoid broad accusations. Alternatives like "wrongful competition" or "unethical competition" can offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrongful competition

Emphasizes the illegality or ethical violation involved in the competition.

unwarranted competition

Highlights the lack of justification or reason for the competitive actions.

unethical competition

Focuses specifically on the moral aspect of the competition being questionable.

disloyal competition

Suggests a breach of trust or agreement within the competitive environment.

predatory competition

Implies aggressive tactics designed to eliminate competitors.

anti-competitive practices

Refers to actions that restrict or prevent fair competition.

illegal trade practices

Highlights the legal violations associated with the competitive conduct.

market manipulation

Suggests deliberate interference to gain an advantage in the market.

trade infringement

Involves the violation of trademarks or other intellectual property.

fraudulent business practices

Emphasizes deceit and dishonesty in the conduct of business.

FAQs

How is "unfair competition" defined in business law?

"Unfair competition" encompasses various illegal or unethical business practices that give one competitor an undue advantage over others. These practices may include trademark infringement, false advertising, or "predatory pricing".

What are some examples of "unfair competition"?

Examples of "unfair competition" include stealing trade secrets, misrepresenting products or services, using deceptive marketing tactics, and engaging in "false advertising".

What legal recourse is available for businesses facing "unfair competition"?

Businesses that are victims of "unfair competition" can pursue legal action, such as filing a lawsuit to seek damages, injunctive relief, or other remedies to stop the offending practices. They might claim "trademark infringement", "breach of contract" or other causes of action.

What's the difference between "unfair competition" and "fair competition"?

"Fair competition" involves businesses competing on a level playing field, adhering to ethical and legal standards. "Unfair competition", on the other hand, involves practices that give one competitor an unjust advantage, often violating laws or ethical principles. "Fair competition" rewards innovation and efficiency, while "unfair competition" undermines these principles.