macroeconomics

American  

[mak-roh-ek-uh-nom-iks, -ee-kuh-] / ˌmæk roʊˌɛk əˈnɒm ɪks, -ˌi kə- /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the branch of economics dealing with the broad and general aspects of an economy, as the relationship between the income and investments of a country as a whole.

---

macroeconomics British  

/ -ˌɛk-, ˌmækrəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the branch of economics concerned with aggregates, such as national income, consumption, and investment Compare microeconomics

---

macroeconomics Cultural  

1. The part of economic theory that deals with aggregates, such as national income, total employment, and total consumption. (Compare microeconomics.)

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• macroeconomic
  adjective
• macroeconomist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of macroeconomics

First recorded in 1945–50; macro- + economics

Compare meaning

How does macroeconomics compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• macroeconomics vs. microeconomics

Example Sentences

“If not, we would expect to see higher inflation for longer,” said Stephen Millard, NIESR’s deputy director for macroeconomics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

In the same subject area, the AP also offers microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics and a whole suite of math courses, but this is the first practical application of those at this high-school level.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

Companies in bear markets are finally behaving the way American companies have learned to behave: When you can’t control the macroeconomics, you control capital allocation.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

Stephen Millard, deputy director for macroeconomics at Niesr, said Reeves "will need to either raise taxes or reduce spending or both in the October Budget if she is to meet her fiscal rules".

From BBC • Aug. 5, 2025

“I’m taking a ten-week macroeconomics course, yet my textbook costs over $120 for just five months — and that’s the cheapest option,” lamented my friend at the University of Washington.

From Seattle Times • May 28, 2024