What is a monopoly?

A monopoly is accurately defined as a market structure where a single seller controls the entire market for a product or service. In this scenario, the monopolistic firm is the sole provider of a particular good or service, which gives it significant power over pricing and supply. This lack of competition means consumers have fewer alternatives and can lead to higher prices and reduced innovation.

In contrast, the other options describe different market structures or concepts. For example, the first option refers to perfect competition, where multiple sellers compete for customers, which promotes lower prices and better services for consumers. The third option mentions a type of business partnership among three or more companies, which does not align with the definition of a monopoly. Finally, the last option speaks to a business model emphasizing shared ownership, which is unrelated to the concept of monopolistic market control. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific nature of monopolies in economic terms.