Race to the bottom

Pro Tip 1/3

Negative Outcome

The phrase often implies a negative outcome from intense competition or cost-cutting.

The airline industry's race to the bottom drastically reduced ticket prices but at the cost of customer service quality.

Pro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

Understand it's a metaphor for destructive competition, not an actual race or literal descent.

Many manufacturers engage in a race to the bottom, compromising environmental standards for profit.

Pro Tip 3/3

Economic Context

It's commonly used in economic and political discussions about market regulations.

The tax incentives have initiated a race to the bottom among states to attract businesses.