economics

noun

eco·​nom·​ics ˌe-kə-ˈnä-miks  ˌē-kə- 

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

a

: a social science concerned chiefly with description and analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services

b

: economic theory, principles, or practices

sound economics

2

: economic aspect or significance

the economics of building a new stadium

3

: economic conditions

current economics

Examples of economics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, even companies that offer remote work typically require a few days on-site, which provides room for collaboration and mentorship, said Nicholas Bloom, an economics professor at Stanford University who studies remote work. —Annie Nova, CNBC, 1 June 2026

One of the first lessons of economics is that incentives shape behavior. —Richard W. Rahn, Fortune, 27 May 2026

His indictment of economics is neither mild nor limited. —Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026

Buying Retention Instead Of Building It The line is where unit economics break. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

earlier oeconomicks "science or art of managing a household" from oeconomick, economike in same sense (Middle English iconomique, borrowed from Middle French yconomique, borrowed from Medieval Latin economica, feminine singular or neuter plural of oeconomicus "relating to the management of a household") + -ics — more at economic

Note: Compare ancient Greek oikonomikḗ "practice of household, administrative or economic management," oikonomiká (neuter plural) "administrative affairs."

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing economics

• geo-economics
• home economics
• new economics
• supply-side economics

Rhymes for economics

• bionomics
• ergonomics
• atomics
• bombyx
• comics
• macroeconomics
• microeconomics

Kids Definition

economics

singular or plural noun

ec·​o·​nom·​ics

ˌek-ə-ˈnäm-iks, 

ˌē-kə-

1

: a social science concerned with description and analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services

2

: financial considerations

the economics of buying a house

economist

i-ˈkän-ə-məst

noun