C1noun 10K+

Capitalism

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈkæpɪtəlɪzəm/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈkæpɪtəlɪzəm/"]/

Meaning of Capitalism

an economic system in which a country’s businesses and industry are controlled and run for profit by private owners rather than by the government

In simple words: An economic system where businesses are privately owned and run for profit.

Capitalism in a sentence

• the growth of industrial capitalism in the West
• They predicted the fall of world capitalism.
• He was one of the leading advocates of laissez-faire capitalism.
• She deplored unbridled capitalism as much as communism.
• a protest against global capitalism
• a study of the development of agriculture under capitalism

How to use Capitalism

Used in discussions about economics, politics, and society. More common in academic and formal contexts than in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'capital' — imagine a city where businesses thrive like capitalizing on opportunities.

Related words

Collocations with Capitalism

• advanced
• contemporary
• late
• destroy
• overthrow
• replace
• under capitalism
• the advance of capitalism
• the rise of capitalism
• the fall of capitalism

Synonyms for Capitalism

• free enterprise
• market economy
• private enterprise
• capitalist system

Opposites of Capitalism

• socialism
• communism

Common mistakes with Capitalism

• Confused with 'capital' referring to money or assets.
• Overgeneralizing to apply to all economic systems.
• Incorrectly spelling as 'captilism'.

Frequently asked questions about Capitalism

What does Capitalism mean?

An economic system where businesses are privately owned and run for profit.

What is the definition of Capitalism?

an economic system in which a country’s businesses and industry are controlled and run for profit by private owners rather than by the government

How do you use Capitalism in a sentence?

the growth of industrial capitalism in the West

Can you give another example of Capitalism?

They predicted the fall of world capitalism.

What are synonyms for Capitalism?

Common alternatives include free enterprise, market economy, private enterprise, capitalist system.

What is the opposite of Capitalism?

Opposite meanings include socialism, communism.

What words go with Capitalism?

It commonly pairs with advanced, contemporary, late, destroy, overthrow, replace, under capitalism, the advance of capitalism, the rise of capitalism, the fall of capitalism.

What are common mistakes when using Capitalism?

Confused with 'capital' referring to money or assets. Overgeneralizing to apply to all economic systems. Incorrectly spelling as 'captilism'.

How do you pronounce Capitalism?

US: /["/ˈkæpɪtəlɪzəm/"]/, UK: /["/ˈkæpɪtəlɪzəm/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Capitalism?

Used in discussions about economics, politics, and society. More common in academic and formal contexts than in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Capitalism?

"Capitalism" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.