free enterprise

American  

[free en-ter-prahyz] / ˈfri ˈɛn tərˌpraɪz /

noun

1. an economic and political doctrine holding that a capitalist economy can regulate itself in a freely competitive market through the relationship of supply and demand with a minimum of governmental intervention and regulation.

2. the practice of free enterprise in an economy, or the right to practice it.

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free enterprise British  

noun

1. an economic system in which commercial organizations compete for profit with little state control

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free enterprise Cultural  

1. The freedom of private businesses to operate competitively for profit with minimal governmental regulation.

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free enterprise Idioms  

1. Also, private enterprise. An undertaking on one's own behalf, especially a shady or illegal one. For example, The city treasurer didn't bother with competitive bids; the spirit of free enterprise just led him to his brother-in-law, or The sergeant indulged in a little private enterprise, selling cigarettes on the black market. This sarcastic application of a term that has meant, since about 1885, the freedom of private businesses to operate competitively for profit with a minimum of government control, dates from the mid-1900s.

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Other Word Forms

• free-enterprising adjective

Etymology

Origin of free enterprise

First recorded in 1885–90

Compare meaning

How does free-enterprise compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• free enterprise vs. capitalism

Example Sentences

Its core beliefs align with the broader conservative establishment's: limited government, individual liberty, free enterprise, strong national defense and civil society and belief in a "transcendent order" that is "founded in tradition, philosophy, or theology."

From Salon

Li, an advocate of free enterprise, was forced out as the No. 2 party leader in October.

From Seattle Times

Li, an advocate of free enterprise, is due to be replaced as premier at the congress after being sidelined as No. 2 party leader in October.

From Seattle Times

The right wing and free market forces have really manipulated the symbols of American freedom, as if free enterprise is somehow integral to American democracy.

From Los Angeles Times

For all our national celebration of free enterprise, people in both parties worry that China’s civil-military fusion might give Beijing a decisive advantage.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• liberalism