subsistence economy
noun
Definition of subsistence economy
: an economy which is not based on money, in which buying and selling are absent or rudimentary though barter may occur, and which commonly provides a minimal standard of living — compare subsistence farming
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up subsistence economy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!