Race to the bottom

usgb
noun phrase

A situation where companies or countries are trying to outdo one another by cutting costs, but end up hurting everyone involved.

The unregulated market could lead to a race to the bottom, where companies sacrifice safety standards to cut costs.
Visual representation of "race to the bottom" - A situation where companies or countries are trying to outdo one another by cutting costs, but end up hurting everyone involved.

Often appears as...

  • economic race to the bottom
  • global race to the bottom

Usage tips

Formal

Economic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "race to the bottom"
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Negative Outcome

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

Illustration for Negative Outcome
The airline industry's race to the bottom drastically reduced ticket prices but at the cost of customer service quality.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

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

Illustration for Not Literal
Many manufacturers engage in a race to the bottom, compromising environmental standards for profit.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Economic Context

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

Illustration for Economic Context
The tax incentives have initiated a race to the bottom among states to attract businesses.
Visual representation of the word "Race to the bottom"

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