level playing field: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal (business, politics, academia, journalism); can be used in informal contexts to discuss fairness.
Quick answer
What does “level playing field” mean?
A situation in which everyone has the same opportunities and advantages, without unfair disadvantages.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A situation in which everyone has the same opportunities and advantages, without unfair disadvantages.
A state of fairness and equal opportunity, particularly in competition, business, or access to resources, where no participant has an inherent, systemic, or structural advantage over others.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The phrase originated in sports, particularly British and American ones, and is used identically. The concept is central to discussions of equality in both cultures.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries positive connotations of fairness, meritocracy, and justice. In political discourse, it can be a contested term, with debates over what constitutes a 'level' field.
Frequency
Extremely common in both varieties. Perhaps slightly more frequent in American business and legal English, but a core phrase in UK political and social policy discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “level playing field” in a Sentence
to create a level playing field for [group/entity]to ensure a level playing field between [X] and [Y]There is a level playing field in [domain].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “level playing field” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The regulator sought to level the playing field through new guidelines.
- We need to level the playing field for independent publishers.
American English
- The bill is designed to level the playing field for domestic manufacturers.
- Their goal is to level the playing field in digital advertising.
adverb
British English
- N/A – Not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A – Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A – Not used as a standalone adjective.
American English
- N/A – Not used as a standalone adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The new antitrust legislation aims to create a level playing field for small businesses competing with tech giants."
Academic
"The study examined whether educational reforms succeeded in establishing a level playing field for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds."
Everyday
"If we all start the race at the same time, at least it's a level playing field."
Technical
"In telecommunications regulation, a level playing field is mandated to prevent incumbent operators from stifling new market entrants."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “level playing field”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “level playing field”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “level playing field”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'a level-playing-field competition' – incorrect). It's a noun phrase: 'a competition on a level playing field'. Confusing it with 'level-headed'. Adding unnecessary hyphens (level-playing-field).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is most common in formal contexts like business, law, politics, and academia. However, its core concept is simple enough to be used in everyday conversation about fairness.
No, the standard form is 'a level playing field'. 'Leveled' (or 'levelled' in UK spelling) is the past tense of the verb 'to level' (as in 'they leveled the field'). The idiom uses 'level' as an adjective.
They are closely related. 'Equal opportunity' focuses on the chance to participate. 'Level playing field' emphasises the conditions *during* the competition or process, implying all obstacles and unfair advantages have been removed.
You use the phrase 'to level the playing field'. This means to take action to create fair conditions. Example: 'Scholarships help to level the playing field for students from low-income families.'
A situation in which everyone has the same opportunities and advantages, without unfair disadvantages.
Level playing field: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlev.əl ˈpleɪ.ɪŋ ˌfiːld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlev.əl ˈpleɪ.ɪŋ ˌfiːld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a level playing field”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a football pitch that is perfectly flat. No team has to run uphill. A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD is that flat, fair surface for any competition.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A GAME / COMPETITION IS A SPORTING CONTEST. Fairness is conceptualised as a flat, even physical terrain (the playing field).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the idiom 'level playing field' LEAST likely to be used?