economics

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

noun

1. (used with a singular verb),  the science that deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, or the material welfare of humankind.

2. (used with a plural verb),  financial considerations; economically significant aspects.

   What are the economics of such a project?

economics

/ ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪks, ˌɛkə- /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the social science concerned with the production and consumption of goods and services and the analysis of the commercial activities of a society See also macroeconomics microeconomics

2. (functioning as plural) financial aspects

   the economics of the project are very doubtful

economics

1. The science that deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of commodities.

Economics is sometimes referred to as the “dismal science.”

Economics is generally understood to concern behavior that, given the scarcity of means, arises to achieve certain ends. When scarcity ceases, conventional economic theory may no longer be applicable. (See affluent society.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of economics¹

First recorded in 1785–95; economic, -ics

Example Sentences

According to our new research, how someone views billionaires isn’t just about economics.

Read more on Salon

Derrell Peel, a professor of agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University said he expected prices to remain elevated until at least the end of the decade, noting that it takes years to replenish herds.

Read more on BBC

“This traces back to gender norms in society in general that put a disproportionate share of household responsibilities and child care on women,” said Francine Blau, an economics professor at Cornell University.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

—Ms. O’Grady writes Americas, a weekly column on politics, economics and business in Latin America and Canada.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Looking ahead, DBS’s economics team expects the U.S. rate-cut cycle to bolster consumption and investment sentiment in Hong Kong, supported by a softer Hong Kong dollar and lower borrowing costs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• business 
• finance 
• social science