economics

noun

eco·​nom·​ics ˌe-kə-ˈnä-miks  ˌē-kə- 

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

a

: a social science concerned chiefly with description and analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services

b

: economic theory, principles, or practices

sound economics

2

: economic aspect or significance

the economics of building a new stadium

3

: economic conditions

current economics

Examples of economics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Technological advances in steel production have made the work less labor intensive, reducing the need for employees, Katheryn Russ, an economics professor at the University of California, Davis, told ABC News. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 7 Dec. 2024

The elder brother graduated with an economics degree in 1983 before returning to New York and joining Cantor Fitzgerald, then helmed by its colorful founder, Bernie Cantor, who became a mentor. —Dan Alexander, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

These predictions expose the disastrous state of macroeconomics in the economics profession. —Edwin T. Burton, National Review, 5 Nov. 2024

Chatterji, who is taking over the economics team that formerly reported to Brundage, formerly worked in various advisory roles in President Joe Biden’s and President Barack Obama’s White Houses and also served as chief economist at the Department of Commerce. —David Meyer, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

earlier oeconomicks "science or art of managing a household" from oeconomick, economike in same sense (Middle English iconomique, borrowed from Middle French yconomique, borrowed from Medieval Latin economica, feminine singular or neuter plural of oeconomicus "relating to the management of a household") + -ics — more at economic

Note: Compare ancient Greek oikonomikḗ "practice of household, administrative or economic management," oikonomiká (neuter plural) "administrative affairs."

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing economics

• geo-economics
• home economics
• new economics
• supply-side economics

Kids Definition

economics

singular or plural noun

ec·​o·​nom·​ics

ˌek-ə-ˈnäm-iks,

ˌē-kə-

1

: a social science concerned with description and analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services

2

: financial considerations

the economics of buying a house

economist

i-ˈkän-ə-məst

noun