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economy

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noun American English pronunciation: economy /ɪˈkɑnəmi/ 
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singulareconomy
pluraleconomies
Other entries for this word
  1. 1
    [countable] the system by which a country's trade, industry, and money are organized

    a modern industrial economy

    the high-growth economies of Southeast Asia

    a market/capitalist/planned economy

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of economy
    1. a.
      the whole of a country's business, industry, and trade, and the money that they produce

      Between 1982 and 1988 the economy grew at an average of about 3 percent per year.

      boost/stimulate/revive the economy (=make it stronger):

      The government has promised to boost the flagging economy.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of economy
    2. b.
      a country considered as an economic system

      three of the fastest-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of economy
  2. 2
    [uncountable] the careful use of money, products, or time so that very little is wasted

    In those days, fuel economy was a central factor in car design.

    The audit will concentrate on the economy and efficiency of production.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of economy
    1. a.
      [uncountable] the use of the smallest number of words or movements needed to express or do something well
      economy of:

      The play achieves its effects with a terrific economy of language.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of economy
    2. b.

      economies

       [plural] ways of saving money
      make economies:

      I'm sure, if we make a few economies, we'll be able to afford it.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of economy
      See also  economies of scale

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This is the American English definition of economy. View British English definition of economy.

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