- the complex of activities related to the consumption, production, and trade of goods and services, as an ongoing functioning system: Further inflation would seriously endanger the national economy.
- the general state of these activities at a particular time and in a certain country, region, etc.: The economy is booming, blue-collar wages are up, and unemployment is the lowest it's been in decades.We have had a number of clients who lost their jobs due to the economy.
- the dominant framework, setting, or context for these activities: Economists predict a restoration of a market-driven capitalist economy in the country.More than 80 percent of the country's population is involved in agriculture, making it one of the most agrarian economies in the world.
- thrifty management; frugality in the expenditure or consumption of money, materials, etc.: By careful economy and some small sacrifices, he paid all his debts.
- an act or means of thrift; a saving: He achieved a small economy by walking to work instead of taking a bus.
- the efficient, sparing, or concise use of something: When you're ill, practicing an economy of effort for everyday tasks is important.
- economy class.
- the organization or regulation of the parts of a system: The medication disrupts the normal hormonal economy of the body.
- Theology.
- the divine plan for humanity, from creation through redemption to final beatitude.
- the method of divine administration at a particular time or for a particular people.
- the management of household affairs.
- costing less to make, buy, or operate: With fuel prices so bad, I'm glad I have an economy car.
- of or relating to economy class: The economy fare to San Francisco is only $20 cheaper.
- intended to save money: They voted to reduce the staff in an economy move.
- in economy-class accommodations, or by economy-class conveyance: These days I can only afford to travel economy.
- careful management of resources to avoid unnecessary expenditure or waste; thrift
- a means or instance of this; saving
- sparing, restrained, or efficient use, esp to achieve the maximum effect for the minimum effort
- the complex of human activities concerned with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services
- a particular type or branch of such production, distribution, and consumption
- the management of the resources, finances, income, and expenditure of a community, business enterprise, etc
- a class of travel in aircraft, providing less luxurious accommodation than first class at a lower fare
- (as modifier)
- offering or purporting to offer a larger quantity for a lower price
- the orderly interplay between the parts of a system or structure
- the principle that, of two competing theories, the one with less ontological presupposition is to be preferred
- the management of household affairs; domestic economy
