narrow market

Meanings

1. 1nouncountablebusiness

   A small group of buyers with very specific needs, so few customers are interested in the product.

   Grammar: Countable: 'a narrow market', 'narrow markets'.

   Patterns

   • a narrow market for something
   • target a narrow market
   • a narrow market of buyers

   The company targets a narrow market of professional musicians.

   Selling only left-handed guitars means aiming at a narrow market.

   A narrow market can be profitable if customers are willing to pay high prices.

2. 2nouncountablefinancetechnical

   A situation in which prices can move easily because few buyers and sellers are active.

   Grammar: Common in finance writing about trading conditions.

   Patterns

   • a narrow market in something
   • trade in a narrow market

   In a narrow market, even a small order can move the price.

   Trading was thin and the narrow market made prices jump.

Word forms

Common combinations

target a narrow market

The startup decided to target a narrow market before expanding.

a narrow market for

There is only a narrow market for handmade harps.

serve a narrow market

This small shop serves a narrow market of collectors.

a narrow market in

Dealers warned of a narrow market in rare coins.

Synonyms and how they differ

niche market

Very close in meaning but usually positive: a small market that a business can dominate profitably.

specialized market

Emphasizes the special knowledge needed, not just the small number of buyers.

Opposites

Word family

market noun

The general place or system where goods are bought and sold.

marketing noun

The activity of promoting and selling products.

marketer noun

A person whose job is to market products.

Commonly confused: narrow market or niche market?

Practice

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