free enterprise

[ free en-ter-prahyz ]

noun

1. an economic and political doctrine holding that a capitalist economy can regulate itself in a freely competitive market through the relationship of supply and demand with a minimum of governmental intervention and regulation.
2. the practice of free enterprise in an economy, or the right to practice it.

free enterprise

noun

1. an economic system in which commercial organizations compete for profit with little state control

free enterprise

1. The freedom of private businesses to operate competitively for profit with minimal governmental regulation .

Other Words From

• free-en·ter·pris·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of free enterprise¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Idioms and Phrases

Also, private enterprise . An undertaking on one's own behalf, especially a shady or illegal one. For example, The city treasurer didn't bother with competitive bids; the spirit of free enterprise just led him to his brother-in-law , or The sergeant indulged in a little private enterprise, selling cigarettes on the black market . This sarcastic application of a term that has meant, since about 1885, the freedom of private businesses to operate competitively for profit with a minimum of government control, dates from the mid-1900s.

Example Sentences

In announcing Cameron’s hiring, its founder, Nathan Estruth, said: “I simply cannot imagine a more capable and qualified chief executive to help us safeguard free exercise, free speech and free enterprise.”

From Seattle Times

“And in 2010, Chief Justice Roberts explained in free enterprise that people don’t vote for officers of the United States.”

From Salon

Mr. Pence, however, is hoping primary voters will return to principles of limited government, free enterprise, fiscal responsibility, and traditional values popularized by his political hero, Mr. Reagan.

From Washington Times

So let's hear it for digital "free enterprise."

From Salon

Sokol, who has written extensively about American exceptionalism and the virtues of free enterprise, minimized slavery and systemic racism, some felt.

From Salon

Related Words

• liberalism