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.

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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

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macroeconomics Cultural  

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

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Other Word 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

Samuel Tombs, of Pantheon Macroeconomics, notes that “corporate profits are just one piece of the economic pie.”

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

But as Samuel Tombs, chief U.S. economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, notes, “corporate profits are just one piece of the economic pie, and S&P 500 earnings are a relatively narrow and partial measure.”

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

“This is very unwelcome for European industry, to put it mildly,” said Claus Vistesen, chief eurozone economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

“It’s too soon to pop the champagne and conclude that China is shaking off its post-Covid torpor,” said economists at Pantheon Macroeconomics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

We all sat in the same arrangement in Macroeconomics, too:Megan in front of me, Joey on my right.

From "Winger" by Andrew Smith