Any market that does not fit the ideal market profile of perfect competition. An imperfect market is characterised by, for instance, barriers to entry, small numbers of buyers and sellers, and non-homogeneity of products. Monopolies and oligopolies are considered examples of imperfect competition. Most markets, which procurement practitioners deal with, have multiple players, each offering slightly differentiated solutions, and no business has total control over the market price. See also Market, Distortion.