national income

American  

noun

1. the total net earnings from the production of goods and services in a country over a period of time, usually one year, and consisting essentially of wages, salaries, rent, profits, and interest.

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national income British  

noun

1. economics the total of all incomes accruing over a specified period to residents of a country and consisting of wages, salaries, profits, rent, and interest

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Etymology

Origin of national income

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The possibility of a populist backlash is especially relevant currently, given that the share of national income going to labor is now at an all-time low.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Analysis by the National Energy System Operator suggests Britain's energy costs could drop from about 10% of national income in 2025 to about 5-6% by 2050.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

He said higher energy prices would boost national income, as Canada is a net crude-oil exporter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

France is planning to reduce development assistance by nearly 40%, and the U.K. is shrinking aid expenditures from 0.5% to 0.3% of its gross national income by 2027.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

The official national income index implies an average annual increase of 8.5 percent in the latter period, compared to 6.7 percent in the earlier years.

From Area Handbook for Bulgaria by Baluyut, Violeta D.