English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

economist

ih-KON-uh-mihst
Quiz me More like this

Economist (noun) means a person who studies or is an expert in economics. Example: “The economist explained why housing costs keep rising in big cities.”

noun
1
A person who studies or is an expert in economics.
"The economist explained why housing costs keep rising in big cities."
"My sister trained as an economist before moving into journalism."
"The bank hired an economist to forecast next year's inflation rate."

How to use economist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who studies or works professionally with economics.

Common pairings
chief economist leading economist
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like economist.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Plural
economists
Test yourself on “economist” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ explained why housing costs keep rising in big cities.

Etymology

From Middle French économiste (“household manager”). By surface analysis, economy + -ist.

Origin: Middle French

economic expert

Rhymes for economist

See all rhymes for economist →

Frequently asked questions

What does “economist” mean?
The word “economist” means a person who studies or is an expert in economics. In plain terms, someone who studies or works professionally with economics.
How do you pronounce “economist”?
“Economist” is pronounced ih-KON-uh-mihst (/iˈkɑ.nə.mɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “economist” in a sentence?
Here is “economist” used in a sentence: “The bank hired an economist to forecast next year's inflation rate.”
What part of speech is “economist”?
“Economist” is a noun.
Is “economist” a common word?
“Economist” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between an 'economist' and an 'accountant'?
An economist studies how societies produce, distribute, and use resources, often analysing broad trends like inflation, employment, and growth. An accountant records, checks, and reports the finances of a specific person or organisation. One studies the wider economy, while the other manages detailed financial records.
What is the difference between an 'economist' and a 'financial analyst'?
An economist studies large-scale economic behaviour and forecasts trends such as interest rates or unemployment. A financial analyst focuses on specific investments, companies, or markets to guide business or investment decisions. Economists tend to look at the big picture, while analysts examine particular assets.
What is the difference between a microeconomist and a macroeconomist?
A microeconomist studies the decisions of individuals, households, and firms, such as pricing and supply and demand. A macroeconomist studies the economy as a whole, including inflation, national output, and unemployment. Both are economists working at different scales.
etymology from Wiktionary