free enterprise

[free en-ter-prahyz]

noun

1. an economic and political doctrine holding that a capitalist economy can regulate itself in a freely competitive market through the relationship of supply and demand with a minimum of governmental intervention and regulation.

2. the practice of free enterprise in an economy, or the right to practice it.

free enterprise

noun

1. an economic system in which commercial organizations compete for profit with little state control

free enterprise

1. The freedom of private businesses to operate competitively for profit with minimal governmental regulation.

Other Word Forms

• free-enterprising adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of free enterprise¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Idioms and Phrases

Also, private enterprise. An undertaking on one's own behalf, especially a shady or illegal one. For example, The city treasurer didn't bother with competitive bids; the spirit of free enterprise just led him to his brother-in-law, or The sergeant indulged in a little private enterprise, selling cigarettes on the black market. This sarcastic application of a term that has meant, since about 1885, the freedom of private businesses to operate competitively for profit with a minimum of government control, dates from the mid-1900s.

Example Sentences

Conservatives also subvert markets and free enterprise by picking and choosing “winners” and “losers” through special tax breaks, subsidies and loan guarantees for big business.

From Salon

He cited the president's fixation on tariffs and "constrictions on free enterprise, price controls, trade barriers and whatnot — cartelization of the economy, many very bad things."

From Salon

As he tended to his race horses, he spoke of the political and social attitudes of free enterprise and small government that are shared by Albertans and many Americans.

From BBC

Richardson’s biggest supporters were businesses, including PACs funded by oil companies, and law enforcement associations that said they advocated for candidates who shared their beliefs on free enterprise and public safety.

From Los Angeles Times

In announcing Cameron’s hiring, its founder, Nathan Estruth, said: “I simply cannot imagine a more capable and qualified chief executive to help us safeguard free exercise, free speech and free enterprise.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• liberalism