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

From an economics standpoint, the math is simple. —Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026

In addition to his tenure as an economics professor, Phelan worked as a senior economist at the Federal Reserve from 1998 to 2007, according to his LinkedIn page. —Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2026

The central challenge is no longer whether data can be collected, but how much high-quality data can be afforded before the economics break. —Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026

The technology is proven, and the economics work. —Todd Larsen, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 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