economy
gb/ɪkˈɑnəmi/ us/ɪkˈɑnəmi/
A2
English
~ 900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
System of money and production
The way a country manages its money, business, and jobs.
Usage pattern:
[country/region]'s economy
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'economy' with 'economics'; 'economy' is the actual system, while 'economics' is the study of it.
Synonyms
market (Refers to buying and selling activity; narrower than the whole system.)
|
financial system (More formal and focuses on banking and finance.)
Antonyms
poverty (Refers to a lack of money and resources, often the result of a failing economy.)
Collocations
global economy
|national economy
|strong economy
|weaken the economy
|boost the economy
Themes
business
|politics
|society
|finance
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The country's economy grew by 3% last year.
- Tourism is an important part of Spain's economy.
- A strong economy usually means more jobs are available.
- The global economy was hit hard by the pandemic.
Learner examples
- The economy is growing fast.
- China has a big economy.
- A bad economy means fewer jobs.
- The economy needs new investment.
Noun
B2
action
2
Careful use of resources
Using money or things carefully so you do not waste them.
Usage pattern:
economy in [something]
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'economy' (careful use) with 'economic' (adjective about the economy).
Synonyms
thrift (Emphasizes frugality and saving money.)
|
frugality (Focuses on avoiding unnecessary spending.)
Antonyms
wastefulness (The opposite behavior—spending or using resources carelessly.)
Collocations
practice economy
|economy measures
|economy drive
Themes
daily life
|business
|daily_life
|finance
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We need to practice greater economy in our use of water.
- Economy in design can lead to simpler, more efficient products.
- The project was completed with an impressive economy of effort.
Learner examples
- We must have economy with water.
- Economy is important when you have little money.
- He showed economy when buying food.
Noun
A2
entity
3
Cheaper service option
A cheaper way to travel or buy something with fewer extras.
Usage pattern:
economy [class/product]
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'economy' here refers to the country's financial system; context clarifies it's about service level.
Synonyms
budget (Informal; focuses on low cost rather than service level.)
Antonyms
first class (The most expensive and luxurious travel option.)
Collocations
economy class
|fly economy
|economy seat
Themes
travel
|commerce
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We booked two seats in economy for the flight to Paris.
- Economy class tickets are selling fast for the holiday season.
- I usually travel economy to save money.
Learner examples
- I fly in economy.
- Economy class is cheap.
- Economy tickets cost less.
Grammar
Dictionary form
economy
IPA
GB/ɪkˈɑnəmi/
US/ɪkˈɑnəmi/
Syllables & stress
eco - nomy (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (nomy)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: economy
- Plural: economies, economy
Word family
Forms
economies
noun
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
uneconomical
adjective
Advanced or less common
macroeconomics
noun
microeconomics
noun
Expressions
boost the economy
1/bˈust ðə ɪkˈɑnəmi/
fixed phrase
Improve economic performance
To make a country's business and jobs grow faster.
Examples
- The new trade deal is expected to boost the economy.
- Lower taxes could help boost the economy.
economy class ticket
1/ɪkˈɑnəmi klˈæs tˈɪkɪt/
fixed phrase
Cheapest travel ticket type
A ticket for the cheapest seats on a plane or train.
Examples
- I bought an economy class ticket to London.
- Economy class tickets are often non-refundable.
in the interests of economy
1/ˈɪn ðə ˈɪntɚˌɛsts əv ɪkˈɑnəmi/
fixed phrase
formal
For saving resources
To do something to save money or time.
Examples
- In the interests of economy, we reduced the number of printed copies.
- They chose a simpler design in the interests of economy.
the global economy
1/ðə ɡlˈoʊbəl ɪkˈɑnəmi/
fixed phrase
Worldwide financial system
All the business and trade happening in all countries together.
Examples
- The global economy has been slowing down recently.
- Technology has connected the global economy more than ever before.