What term describes an unlawful agreement between competitors to monopolize a market or disadvantage other competitors?

The term that accurately describes an unlawful agreement between competitors to monopolize a market or disadvantage other competitors is collusion. Collusion occurs when two or more parties conspire to cooperate in a way that restricts or eliminates competition, typically to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome that is detrimental to the market and consumers. This illegal behavior often manifests in practices such as fixing prices, limiting production, or dividing markets, which ultimately harms fair competition and can lead to higher prices and fewer choices for consumers.

While conspiracy may sound related, it generally refers more broadly to an agreement between parties to commit an unlawful act, not solely in the context of market competition. Monopoly refers specifically to a market structure dominated by a single seller, and affiliation refers to a formal connection or relationship between entities, rather than an unlawful agreement. Thus, collusion is the most precise term here, capturing the essence of the unlawful coordination among competitors in the market.