free market

American  

noun

1. an economic system in which prices and wages are determined by unrestricted competition between businesses, without government regulation or fear of monopolies.

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free market British  

noun

1. 1. an economic system that allows supply and demand to regulate prices, wages, etc, rather than government policy

   2. ( as modifier )

      a free-market economy

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free market Cultural  

1. The production and exchange of goods and services without interference from the government or from monopolies.

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Other Word Forms

• free marketeer
  noun
• free-market
  adjective

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

free market

And it remains unclear whether their economic policies can coexist with a free market or be adequately funded without ballooning budget deficits.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 9, 2026

But people don’t want a free market with live music.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 10, 2026

The future of Rodman was of great interest to Europe's most successful clubs with the potential to pick up a world-class player in the free market.

From BBC ● Jan. 23, 2026

He addressed pro-democracy demonstrators during the city's 2014 Umbrella Movement, speaking in favour of a "free market in leadership".

From Barron's ● Jan. 13, 2026

Inside the free market, however, there might be some authority capable of checking its excess.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

• liberalism