global economy

Cultural  

1. The international spread of capitalism, especially in recent decades, across national boundaries and with minimal restrictions by governments. The global economy has become hotly controversial. Critics allege that its props, free markets and free trade, take jobs away from well-paid workers in the wealthy nations while creating sweatshops in the poor ones. Its supporters insist that the free movement of capital stimulates investment in poor nations and creates jobs in them. The process is also called globalization.

---

Example Sentences

The World Cup is expected to pump $10.5 billion in ad spending into the global economy, although the impact in the U.S. will likely be more muted, according to the World Advertising Research Center.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

Meanwhile, the resulting increase in oil prices has acted as a drag on the global economy, with the International Monetary Fund External link cutting growth forecasts and raising inflation expectations.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Their model for business and the long-term development of their countries depends on a foundation of the Gulf being a stable hub for the global economy and safe for foreign investment.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

The Paris-based organisation of 38 member countries said its "conservative" estimate was based on disclosures by the biggest companies in the 15 sectors, which underpin entire segments of the global economy.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

For entry-level jobs into the global economy, these are about as good as it gets.

From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman