1.
the principle of competition; competitive principle
The economic and organizational idea that competition among participants leads to efficiency, innovation, or better outcomes. Frequently cited in discussions of markets, deregulation, education reform, and public services as a justification for introducing market-like dynamics.
競争原理を導入する。
To introduce the principle of competition.
この業界には競争原理が働いていない。
The principle of competition is not at work in this industry.
政府は公的サービスにも競争原理を取り入れて、効率化を図ろうとしている。
The government is trying to improve efficiency by incorporating the principle of competition even into public services.
Composed of 競争 (competition) and 原理 (principle, underlying rule). Refers not to a specific law but to the general idea that, when multiple actors compete freely, the resulting pressure improves quality, lowers prices, or drives innovation. A key concept in economics, business, and public-policy debates.
USAGE:
- Appears most often in editorials, policy discussions, and business commentary.
- Common verbs: 働く (to be at work, be operational), 導入する (to introduce), 取り入れる (to incorporate), 活用する (to make use of).
- Sometimes invoked positively (as a driver of improvement) and sometimes critically (when writers argue that pure competition is inappropriate for areas such as education, healthcare, or essential public services).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 競争原理を導入する: to introduce the principle of competition
- 競争原理が働く: for the principle of competition to be at work
- 競争原理を取り入れる: to incorporate the principle of competition
- 市場の競争原理: the market's principle of competition
- 競争原理に基づく: based on the principle of competition
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 競争: competition — the base noun, used in everyday contexts
- 市場原理: market principles — closely related, emphasizing supply and demand rather than competition itself
- 自由競争: free competition — the state in which competition operates without restrictions
- 公正競争: fair competition — competition under rules that prevent abuse
- 淘汰: natural selection, weeding out — the process through which competition eliminates weaker players