market economy

American  

[mahr-kit i-kon-uh-mee] / ˈmɑr kɪt ɪˌkɒn ə mi /

noun

1. a capitalistic economic system in which there is free competition and prices are determined by the interaction of supply and demand.

---

market economy Cultural  

1. An economy in which the greater part of production, distribution, and exchange is controlled by individuals and privately owned corporations rather than by the government, and in which government interference in the market is minimal. Although a total market economy is probably only theoretically possible (because it would exclude taxation and regulation of any kind), capitalist economies approximate it and socialist economies are antithetical to it (see capitalism and socialism). Market economies are also called free economies, free markets, or free enterprise systems.

---

Etymology

Origin of market economy

First recorded in 1915–20

Compare meaning

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

• market economy vs. command economy
• market economy vs. capitalism

Example Sentences

Cuba's communist president has cited China and Vietnam as models for a historic shift towards a market economy that was hurriedly pushed through last week to try to end a severe crisis.

From Barron's • Jun. 24, 2026

He also said he would cut red tape and taxes so businesses could flourish in Colombia’s market economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

Allen, from what I can tell, was not advocating for social revolution, or a total inversion of the market economy, or the consecration of a Marxist state.

From Slate • May 1, 2026

China has surpassed every other market economy to become No. 2.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 30, 2025

Later I would learn that I had tapped into something called an expanding market economy.

From "Lawn Boy" by Gary Paulsen