economic

[ ek-uh-nom-ik, ee-kuh- ]

adjective

1. pertaining to the production, distribution, and use of income, wealth, and commodities.
2. of or relating to the science of economics.
3. pertaining to an economy, or system of organization or operation, especially of the process of production.
4. involving or pertaining to one's personal resources of money:

   to give up a large house for economic reasons.

5. pertaining to use as a resource in the economy:

   economic entomology; economic botany.

6. affecting or apt to affect the welfare of material resources:

   weevils and other economic pests.

7. economical.

economic

/ ˌɛkə-; ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to an economy, economics, or finance

   economic development

   economic theories

2. capable of being produced, operated, etc, for profit; profitable

   the firm is barely economic

3. concerning or affecting material resources or welfare

   economic pests

4. concerned with or relating to the necessities of life; utilitarian
5. See economical
   a variant of economical
6. informal.
   inexpensive; cheap

Other Words From

• anti·eco·nomic adjective
• none·co·nomic adjective
• preec·o·nomic adjective
• quasi-eco·nomic adjective
• subec·o·nomic adjective
• unec·o·nomic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of economic¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from Middle French economique, from Latin oeconomicus, from Greek oikonomikós “relating to household management,” equivalent to oikonóm(os) “steward” (from oîko(s) “house” + nómos “manager”) + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

Advocates for physical education fear more cuts could be coming, as districts grapple with looming budget cuts stemming from the current economic downturn.

From Washington Post

John Falcicchio, Bowser’s chief of staff and deputy mayor for economic development, said Shallal reached out in recent weeks to ask about obtaining the concrete barriers, which were soon provided by the city’s Department of Transportation.

From Washington Post

Several states have also generated significant tax revenues and new jobs from the industry, which have been particularly prized during the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic.

From Quartz

They are disconnected from fundamental structures of society, a fissure that can have long-term emotional and economic ramifications.

From Washington Post

The economic stimulus that Congress passed in December included $610 million for Metro, but transit officials say they expect to need at least one more federal boost late this year to make a final hurdle toward recovery.

From Washington Post

“The US cannot tolerate the idea of any rival economic entity,” Stone writes.

From The Daily Beast

Andrew still plans to fly to Davos in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum on January 21, representing the British government.

From The Daily Beast

What they believe impacts economic policy, foreign policy, education policy, environmental policy, you name it.

From The Daily Beast

In a remote location with little means for economic development, the Brogpas have cultivating this identity to their advantage.

From The Daily Beast

And black fury toward cops today is fueled by historic economic disparities and by the economic disaster of the past decade plus.

From The Daily Beast

If there is everywhere complete economic freedom, then there will ensue in consequence a régime of social justice.

From Project Gutenberg

Prices such as are indicated here were dismissed by the earlier economist as mere economic curiosities.

From Project Gutenberg

True, in such a case as this, "economic strength" would probably be broken down by the intrusion of physical violence.

From Project Gutenberg

It appears in nearly every book on economic theory from Adam Smith and Ricardo till to-day.

From Project Gutenberg

But in reality this paradox of value is the most fundamental proposition in economic science.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• budgetary
• commercial
• fiscal
• industrial
• monetary