black economy

noun

: illicit economic activity done in violation of official regulations

By tax-avoidance and regulation-evasion, the "black economy" amounts to an unofficial but effective supply-side program.

—George F. Will, Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News, 14 Sept. 1989

For instance, it taxed gross business income. Thus, tax bills could exceed net profits. So businesses became part of the black economy. And the government didn't know where to get revenue again.

—P. J. O'Rourke, Rolling Stone, 14 Nov. 1996

The heroin trade funded Pakistan's thriving black economy.

—Tariq Ali, The Duel, 2008

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

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