free market

noun

plural free markets

: an economic system in which prices are based on competition among private businesses and are not controlled or regulated by a government : a market (see market entry 1 sense 4d) operating by free competition

… the free market works best when businesses compete to provide the best services …

—Chris Tomlinson

A free market, technically, requires no government intervention, which is why capitalists usually land on the right of the political spectrum. In America, the government regulates businesses for reasons of social welfare and public safety …, so we don't operate in a truly free market.

—Carolyn Twersky

—often hyphenated when used before another noun

free-market competition

free-market principles

One of the basic premises of the free-market system is that actors are free to buy from or sell to a variety of other actors.

—Barry C. Lynn

Examples of free market in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Of the dollar volume, 92% of the sales were for predominantly free market buildings. —Shimon Shkury, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

With time, however, Vargas Llosa became disillusioned with the left and came to embrace classical liberalism and free markets. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 21 Apr. 2025

Zoom out: Vance has been part of a small but growing group of Republicans who believe free market policies — including those backed by past Republican administrations — let some companies become too powerful. —Ashley Gold, Axios, 15 Apr. 2025

By encouraging investment and free market solutions, Illinois can ensure that all families can afford a roof over their heads. —Chris Miller, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for free market

• nonmarket
• premarket
• upmarket
• aftermarket
• patriarchate
• supermarket

Kids Definition

free market

noun

: an economic market operating by free competition