economic

adjective

eco·​nom·​ic ˌe-kə-ˈnä-mik  ˌē-kə- 

1

a

: of, relating to, or based on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services

economic growth

b

: of or relating to an economy

a group of economic advisers

c

: of or relating to economics

economic theories

2

: economical sense 1

3

: having practical or industrial significance or uses : affecting material resources

4

: profitable

5

archaic : of or relating to a household or its management

Synonyms

• fat
• gainful
• juicy
• lucrative
• money-spinning [chiefly British]
• moneymaking
• paying
• profitable
• remunerative

Examples of economic in a Sentence

a program to prevent inflation and economic collapse

the President's chief economic adviser

We're looking for a more economic way of doing business.

Recent Examples on the Web

Content by this author: Investment and Business Cycles A scientific explanation of business cycles in which the vital question of government spending in times of economic depression is emphasized. —James W. Angell, Foreign Affairs, 2 July 2024

Hoping to grab the attention of Maryland beachgoers and other travelers across the Eastern Shore this summer, Larry Hogan’s campaign for U.S. Senate is putting up four billboards focusing on voters’ economic concerns. —Sam Janesch, Baltimore Sun, 1 July 2024

Analysts believe that the current data reflects an economic reality characterised by strong exports and consumption, but softer investment. —Laura He, CNN, 1 July 2024

Okie notes that Hale conveniently failed to mention the role of Jim Crow laws and strictly maintained economic inequality in keeping workers compliant. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 1 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French yconomique "relating to domestic affairs, relating to the management of a household," borrowed from Medieval Latin oeconomicus (Latin as the title of Xenophon's dialogue Oeconomicus), borrowed from Greek oikonomikós "of a householder or manager, practiced in household or financial management," from oikonómos "manager of a household, steward" + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at economy entry 1

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Phrases Containing economic

• anti-economic
• economic rent
• exclusive economic zone
• socio-economic

Kids Definition

economic

adjective

ec·​o·​nom·​ic

ˌek-ə-ˈnäm-ik,

ˌē-kə-

1

a

: of or relating to the science of economics

economic theories

b

: of, relating to, or based on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services

economic growth

2

: having practical or industrial uses : affecting material resources

economic pests