B2noun1K

Economics

UK /["/ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪks//ˌekəˈnɒmɪks/"]/US /["/ˌiːkəˈnɑːmɪks//ˌekəˈnɑːmɪks/"]/

Definition

the study of how a society organizes its money, trade and industry

In simple words: The study of how money, goods, and services are made and used.

Examples

  • He studied politics and economics at Yale.
  • Keynesian/Marxist economics
  • trends in modern economics
  • The economics of the project are very encouraging.
  • The economics of maintaining a safe environment are not just the concern of the government.

Usage notes

Used in academic contexts, discussions about business, and when analyzing markets. It may not be suitable for casual conversations unless related to finances or current events.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'eco' for 'environment' and 'nomics' like 'money'—it's about how we manage resources.

Collocations

  • applied
  • theoretical
  • classical
  • a school of economics

Synonyms

  • finance
  • economy
  • commerce
  • trade
  • business

Antonyms

  • inefficiency
  • wastefulness

Common mistakes

  • Confusing economics with economic, which pertains to the economy.
  • Using 'economics' as a singular countable noun (it is uncountable).
  • Incorrect pronunciation, often emphasizing the wrong syllable.