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comparative advantage — the ability of an individual or group to carry out a particular economic activity more efficiently than another activity

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the ability of an individual or group to carry out a particular economic activity more efficiently than another activity

Pronunciation (IPA): /kəmˈpærətɪv ədˈvæntɪdʒ/

Example Sentences

  • Even though I'm terrible at both cooking and cleaning, I have a comparative advantage in cooking because I only burn the food half the time.
  • Japan's comparative advantage in automobile manufacturing helped it become a global leader in the industry.
  • My comparative advantage in procrastination is so strong that I could write a book about it... tomorrow.

comparative advantage

NOUN

[/kəmˈpærətɪv ədˈvæntɪdʒ/]

the ability of an individual or group to carry out a particular economic activity more efficiently than another activity

the ability of an individual or group to carry out a particular economic activity more efficiently than another activity
💡 Concept

the ability of an individual or group to carry out a particular economic activity more efficiently than another activity

Turn every disadvantage into comparative advantage!
🎵 Rhyme

Turn every disadvantage into comparative advantage!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/kəmˈpærətɪv ədˈvæntɪdʒ/
🇬🇧 UK/kəmˈpærətɪv ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/

🌳Etymology

Rootcompar-
Suffix--ative

Origin

This economic concept was introduced by 19th-century economist David Ricardo. It combines 'comparative,' derived from Latin comparare (to compare), with 'advantage,' from Old French avantage (a position ahead or superiority).

Breakdown

comparative- (Latin comparare: to compare, set side by side) + -advantage (Old French avantage: forward position, superiority).

🎵Rhyme

advantage
disadvantage

🔗Collocations

have comparative advantage
theory of comparative advantage
exploit comparative advantage
comparative advantage in trade
lose comparative advantage

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“Even though I'm terrible at both cooking and cleaning, I have a comparative advantage in cooking because I only burn the food half the time.”

“Japan's comparative advantage in automobile manufacturing helped it become a global leader in the industry.”

😄 Fun example

“My comparative advantage in procrastination is so strong that I could write a book about it... tomorrow.”

“Countries should focus on industries where they have comparative advantage to maximize economic efficiency.”

📚Related Words

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