Capitalism

Filed Under » ,
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Capitalism'

An economic system based on a free market, open competition, profit motive and private ownership of the means of production. Capitalism encourages private investment and business, compared to a government-controlled economy. Investors in these private companies (i.e. shareholders) also own the firms and are known as capitalists. 
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Capitalism'

In such a system, individuals and firms have the right to own and use wealth to earn income and to sell and purchase labor for wages with little or no government control. The function of regulating the economy is then achieved mainly through the operation of market forces where prices and profit dictate where and how resources are used and allocated. The U.S. is a capitalistic system.

Related Definitions

  • Egalitarianism

    A philosophical thought system that emphasizes equality and equal treatment across gender, religion, economic status and political beliefs. One of the major tenets of egalitarianism is ...
    Read More »
  • Command Economy

    A system where the government, rather than the free market, determines what goods should be produced, how much should be produced and the price at which the goods will be offered for ...
    Read More »
  • Invisible Hand

    A term coined by economist Adam Smith in his 1776 book "An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations". In his book he states: "Every individual necessarily labours to ...
    Read More »
    • Free Enterprise

      An economic system where few restrictions are placed on business activities and ownership. In this system, governments generally have minimal ownership of enterprises in the market ...
      Read More »
    • Free Market

      A market economy based on supply and demand with little or no government control. A completely free market is an idealized form of a market economy where buyers and sellers are allowed ...
      Read More »
    • Keynesian Economics

      An economic theory stating that active government intervention in the marketplace and monetary policy is the best method of ensuring economic growth and stability.
      Read More »
    • Dog Eat Dog

      Intense competition in a market. Dog eat dog competition most commonly arises in markets where products or services have become commoditized. In this case, no company can create a ...
      Read More »
    • Macroeconomics

      The field of economics that studies the behavior of the aggregate economy. Macroeconomics examines economy-wide phenomena such as changes in unemployment, national income, rate of ...
      Read More »
    • Microeconomics

      The branch of economics that analyzes the market behavior of individual consumers and firms in an attempt to understand the decision-making process of firms and households. It is ...
      Read More »
    • Crony Capitalism

      A description of capitalist society as being based on the close relationships between businessmen and the state. Instead of success being determined by a free market and the rule of law, ...
      Read More »

Articles Of Interest

Partner Links