competitive advantage
/kəmˈpɛtətɪv ədˈvæntɪdʒ/
Meaning
A competitive advantage is a condition or circumstance that puts a company, product, or individual in a favorable or superior business position compared to its competitors. It can come from lower costs, better quality, unique technology, or superior customer service. The tone is strategic and analytical.
Examples
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Our proprietary AI technology gives us a significant competitive advantage in the market.
Our proprietary AI technology gives us a significant competitive advantage in the market.
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To maintain a competitive advantage, we must continuously innovate and improve our services.
To maintain a competitive advantage, we must continuously innovate and improve our services.
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Offering free worldwide shipping is a great way to gain a competitive advantage over online rivals.
Offering free worldwide shipping is a great way to gain a competitive advantage over online rivals.
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The company lost its competitive advantage when its patents expired last year.
The company lost its competitive advantage when its patents expired last year.
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Investing in employee training can provide a long-term competitive advantage.
Investing in employee training can provide a long-term competitive advantage.
Common Mistakes
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✗ Our low prices give us a competitor advantage.
✓ Our low prices give us a competitive advantage.
Learners often use the noun 'competitor' (a rival company) as an adjective instead of the correct adjective 'competitive' (relating to competition).
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✗ We need to find a competitive benefit to win more clients.
✓ We need to find a competitive advantage to win more clients.
While 'benefit' is semantically close, 'competitive advantage' is the standard, widely recognized business term in economics and strategy.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Developing a highly efficient supply chain gave the retail giant a massive ___.
💡 A superior position over market rivals.
Show answer
competitive advantage
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Without a clear ___, it is very difficult for a new startup to survive in this crowded market.
💡 A unique edge that outperforms competitors.
Show answer
competitive advantage