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

Moreover, the banking system is far better capitalized now as the result of postcrisis reforms, Piper Sandler’s macroeconomics research team, led by Nancy Lazar, notes in a report.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Then a short lesson in micro- and macroeconomics:

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

“Silver has been breaking milestone after milestone, with traders happy to buy every dip they could get their hands on,” said Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst for global macroeconomics at Forex.com.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 23, 2026

Stephen Millard, deputy director for macroeconomics at Niesr, said Reeves "will need to either raise taxes or reduce spending or both in the October Budget if she is to meet her fiscal rules".

From BBC • Aug. 5, 2025

“I’m taking a ten-week macroeconomics course, yet my textbook costs over $120 for just five months — and that’s the cheapest option,” lamented my friend at the University of Washington.

From Seattle Times • May 28, 2024