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

Derived Forms

• macroeconomist
  noun
• macroeconomic
  adjective

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

He faces the same choice a month later, only now with less-favorable macroeconomics.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

In the same subject area, the AP also offers microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics and a whole suite of math courses, but this is the first practical application of those at this high-school level.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

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

"We are not exporting high-value products," Dr Bertha Bangara Chikadza, senior lecturer in macroeconomics at the University of Malawi and the president of the Economics Association of Malawi, told the BBC.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 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