free market

noun

plural free markets

: an economic system in which prices are based on competition among private businesses and are not controlled or regulated by a government : a market (see market entry 1 sense 4d) operating by free competition

… the free market works best when businesses compete to provide the best services …

—Chris Tomlinson

A free market, technically, requires no government intervention, which is why capitalists usually land on the right of the political spectrum. In America, the government regulates businesses for reasons of social welfare and public safety …, so we don't operate in a truly free market.

—Carolyn Twersky

—often hyphenated when used before another noun

free-market competition

free-market principles

One of the basic premises of the free-market system is that actors are free to buy from or sell to a variety of other actors.

—Barry C. Lynn

Examples of free market in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At its core, the memorandum does not appear to be about free markets or economic fairness—but defending corporate privilege. —Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

And the tool is accused of distorting the free market and subsidizing growth that would have happened anyway. —Jonathan Shorman and, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2025

Some argue that free markets should dictate educational choices. —Nicole M. McNeil, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025

How would the poor obtain health care under a free market? —Brian P Simpson, Orange County Register, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for free market

• nonmarket
• premarket
• upmarket
• aftermarket
• patriarchate
• supermarket

Kids Definition

free market

noun

: an economic market operating by free competition