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

See Examples For:

national income

If that rings a bell, it’s the Easterlin Paradox from 1974, which noted that although the rich are happier than the poor, happiness doesn’t increase as national income grows over time.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026

Under the plans, overall defence spending will rise from 2.6% of national income in 2027 to 2.7%, or nearly £80bn, by 2030.

From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026

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

There are, everywhere, certain consumption-customs corresponding with the distribution of the national income.

From Principles of Political Economy, Vol. II by Roscher, Wilhelm