hostile forces; adversary; opposition
Refers to an opposing group or power, often in political, military, or competitive contexts.
敵対勢力との交渉は難航している。
Negotiations with the hostile forces are facing difficulties.
選挙では敵対勢力に大差をつけて勝利した
In the election, they won by a wide margin over the opposition.
敵 is a general term for 'enemy' or 'opponent', while 敵対勢力 specifically emphasizes an organized opposing force or power.
対立勢力 also means 'opposing forces', but 敵対勢力 carries a stronger nuance of active hostility.
Compound of 敵対 (てきたい, 'hostility, antagonism') and 勢力 (せいりょく, 'force, power, influence').