noun
Common
capitalism
KAPIHT-lihzm
Capitalism (noun) means an economic system in which businesses and resources are privately owned and run for profit, with prices largely set by supply and demand rather than the state. Example: “Students in the economics class discussed how capitalism rewards companies that offer what customers want.”
noun
1
An economic system in which businesses and resources are privately owned and run for profit, with prices largely set by supply and demand rather than the state.
"Students in the economics class discussed how capitalism rewards companies that offer what customers want."
"Under capitalism, competition between companies is meant to drive down prices."
"The debate over capitalism versus socialism has shaped politics for over a century."
How to use capitalism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn economic system based on private ownership and profit, rather than state control.
Common pairings
free-market capitalism
critique of capitalism
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Word forms
- Plural
- capitalisms
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Students in the economics class discussed how _____ rewards companies that offer what customers want.
Etymology
From French capitalisme, built from "capital" plus "-ism." First used in English by novelist William Thackeray in the 1850s.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for capitalism
realism
fatalism
idealism
globalism
socialism
vandalism
federalism
radicalism
liberalism
surrealism
journalism
materialism
See all rhymes for capitalism →
Frequently asked questions
What does “capitalism” mean?
The word “capitalism” means an economic system in which businesses and resources are privately owned and run for profit, with prices largely set by supply and demand rather than the state. In plain terms, an economic system based on private ownership and profit, rather than state control.
How do you pronounce “capitalism”?
“Capitalism” is pronounced KAPIHT-lihzm (/ˈkæp.ə.təlˌɪzm̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “capitalism” in a sentence?
Here is “capitalism” used in a sentence: “Under capitalism, competition between companies is meant to drive down prices.”
What part of speech is “capitalism”?
“Capitalism” is a noun.
Where does the word “capitalism” come from?
The word “capitalism” dates back to around 1850 and comes from French. From French capitalisme, built from "capital" plus "-ism." First used in English by novelist William Thackeray in the 1850s.
Is “capitalism” a common word?
“Capitalism” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between capitalism and socialism?
Under capitalism, businesses and resources are privately owned and run for profit, with prices set largely by supply and demand. Under socialism, the state or community owns or controls the main means of production and aims to share resources more equally rather than purely for private profit.
What is the difference between capitalism and communism?
Capitalism relies on private ownership and profit, with prices driven by supply and demand. Communism calls for collective or state ownership of resources and the abolition of private property, with goods distributed according to need rather than market forces.
What is the difference between capitalism and a free market?
Capitalism is the wider economic system based on private ownership of businesses and resources for profit. A 'free market' refers more narrowly to prices being set by supply and demand with little state interference, which is a key feature of capitalism rather than the whole system.
Is capitalism an economic system or a political system?
Capitalism is primarily an economic system, defined by private ownership of businesses and resources run for profit. It is often linked with certain political arrangements, but the term itself describes how an economy is organized, not how a government is run.
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