capitalism

[ kap-i-tl-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. an economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations, especially as contrasted to cooperatively or state-owned means of wealth.

capitalism

/ ˈkæpɪtəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. Also calledfree enterpriseprivate enterprise an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange, characterized by the freedom of capitalists to operate or manage their property for profit in competitive conditions Compare socialism

capitalism

1. An economic and political system characterized by a free market for goods and services and private control of production and consumption. ( Compare socialism and communism .)

Other Words From

• anti·capi·tal·ism noun
• pro·capi·tal·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of capitalism¹

First recorded in 1850–55; capital ¹ + -ism

Example Sentences

Thune is more a Chamber-of-Commerce crusader for low taxes than he is a culture warrior calling out woke capitalism; on Trump’s plans for broad tariffs, especially, the two seem most mismatched.

From Slate

If you look into your heart, you know deep down that predatory capitalism has us all sick and has enabled a war and prison industry, that our society is configured in ways that divide and alienate us from what is our best nature, that the two-party system entrenches power.

From Salon

To fully understand them would mean wrestling with the effects of capitalism, white supremacy and misogyny.

From Salon

After Trump’s victory speech, capitalism’s hype machines—with the notable exception of the bond markets—roared with approval.

From Slate

The current form of winner-take-all late-stage vulture capitalism has led to unprecedented wealth concentration and income disparity.

From Salon