economic

[ ek-uh-nom-ik, ee-kuh- ]

adjective

1. pertaining to the production, distribution, and use of income, wealth, and commodities.
2. of or relating to the science of economics.
3. pertaining to an economy, or system of organization or operation, especially of the process of production.
4. involving or pertaining to one's personal resources of money:

   to give up a large house for economic reasons.

5. pertaining to use as a resource in the economy:

   economic entomology; economic botany.

6. affecting or apt to affect the welfare of material resources:

   weevils and other economic pests.

7. economical.

economic

/ ˌɛkə-; ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to an economy, economics, or finance

   economic theories

   economic development

2. capable of being produced, operated, etc, for profit; profitable

   the firm is barely economic

3. concerning or affecting material resources or welfare

   economic pests

4. concerned with or relating to the necessities of life; utilitarian
5. a variant of economical
6. informal.
   inexpensive; cheap

Other Words From

• anti·eco·nomic adjective
• none·co·nomic adjective
• preec·o·nomic adjective
• quasi-eco·nomic adjective
• subec·o·nomic adjective
• unec·o·nomic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of economic¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from Middle French economique, from Latin oeconomicus, from Greek oikonomikós “relating to household management,” equivalent to oikonóm(os) “steward” (from oîko(s) “house” + nómos “manager”) + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

The impetus behind tariffs is often to level the economic playing field, such as to avoid letting China subsidize production to create monopolies, said Usha Haley, professor of international business at Wichita State University.

From Salon

Reeves has often sought to underline her economic credentials by pointing to the roles she held before becoming an MP.

From BBC

As with any economic statistic, one month's data can buck a general trend and should be considered alongside other published data.

From BBC

Ecocide is defined by experts as a "wanton" act of destruction, carried out with "reckless disregard for damage which would be clearly excessive in relation to the social and economic benefits anticipated."

From Salon

Harvesting olives is an age-old ritual and also an economic necessity for many Palestinians, but, according to the UN, it is increasingly precarious.

From BBC

Related Words

• budgetary
• commercial
• fiscal
• industrial
• monetary