capitalism

[kap-i-tl-iz-uhm]

noun

1. an economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations, especially as contrasted to cooperatively or state-owned means of wealth.

capitalism

/ ˈkæpɪtəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. Also called: free enterprise.  private enterprise. an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange, characterized by the freedom of capitalists to operate or manage their property for profit in competitive conditions Compare socialism

capitalism

1. An economic and political system characterized by a free market for goods and services and private control of production and consumption. (Compare socialism and communism.)

Other Word Forms

• anticapitalism noun
• procapitalism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of capitalism¹

First recorded in 1850–55; capital ¹ + -ism

Example Sentences

Technocrats espoused that by doing away with government, money and capitalism in favor of having the techies run everything, humanity’s needs would be fulfilled.

From Salon

We have long lived in a country where unfettered capitalism at the expense of so many of us thrives on violence meant specifically to silence people at the bottom.

From Salon

So far, few Republican politicians – including those in Congress, which could assert oversight authority - have spoken out against the president's new interest in state-managed capitalism.

From BBC

The loneliness epidemic, combined with late-stage capitalism, means that anything can be rented.

From Salon

Paz Pereira's campaign focused on redistributing more funds away from central government towards regional entities, and fighting corruption - with his slogan "capitalism for all, not just a few".

From BBC