free enterprise

noun

: freedom of private business to organize and operate for profit in a competitive system without interference by government beyond regulation necessary to protect public interest and keep the national economy in balance

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In 2023, universities will begin to establish entire research units dedicated to finding ways to protect scientific knowledge from the interests of government, religion, and free enterprise. Jennifer Jacquet, WIRED, 18 Dec. 2022 In many instances, shareholder value and advocating for American free enterprise and national security are out. Russ Greene, National Review, 15 Dec. 2022 However, the anti-ESG charge is largely being led by conservative and pro-free enterprise groups. Fox News, 1 Feb. 2023 The lower price is a product of the free enterprise system. John Kelly, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2022 For our democracy, for our system of free enterprise that has pulled so many of our brothers and sisters around the world out of poverty, for our commitment to religious freedom. Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, 16 Nov. 2022 With free enterprise, human capital flowed into China and drove innovation and productivity. Mickey D. Levy, WSJ, 26 Oct. 2022 Supporters of free enterprise including Premier Li Keqiang, the party's No. 2 until last week, were dropped from the leadership. Joe Mcdonald, ajc, 24 Oct. 2022 The constitution also guarantees free enterprise, foreign investment, and press freedom. David Unsworth, Fox News, 9 Dec. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'free enterprise.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free enterprise was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near free enterprise

Cite this Entry

“Free enterprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20enterprise. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

free enterprise

noun
: freedom of private business to operate with little regulation by the government
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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