cap·i·tal·ism (k p  -tl-z  m)n. An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately or corporately owned and development is proportionate to the accumulation and reinvestment of profits gained in a free market. |
capitalism [ˈkæpɪtəˌlɪzəm]
n
(Economics) 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 Also called free enterprise private enterprise Compare socialism [1]
capitalism
a system of economics under which ownership of and investment in the means of production and distribution depends chiefly upon corporations and private individuals. — capitalist, n. — capitalistic, adj.
See also: Economicsa theory or system in which property and investment in busines; are owned and controlled by individuals directly or through ownership of shares in companies. Cf. communism. — capitalist, n., adj. — capitalistic, adj.
See also: Politics
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  capitalism - an economic system based on private ownership of capitalventure capitalism - capitalism that invests in innovative enterprises (especially high technology) where the potential profits are large free enterprise, laissez-faire economy, market economy, private enterprise - an economy that relies chiefly on market forces to allocate goods and resources and to determine prices socialist economy, socialism - an economic system based on state ownership of capital |
capitalism
noun private enterprise, free enterprise, private ownership, laissez faire or laisser faire the two fundamentally opposed social systems, capitalism and socialism
Quotations
"I think that Capitalism, wisely managed, can probably be made more efficient for attaining economic ends than any alternative system yet in sight, but that in itself it is in many ways extremely objectionable" [John Maynard Keynes The End of Laissez-Faire]
"You show me a capitalist, and I'll show you a bloodsucker" [Malcolm X]
"I think that Capitalism, wisely managed, can probably be made more efficient for attaining economic ends than any alternative system yet in sight, but that in itself it is in many ways extremely objectionable" [John Maynard Keynes The End of Laissez-Faire]
"You show me a capitalist, and I'll show you a bloodsucker" [Malcolm X]
Translations
capitalism
n → Kapitalismus m
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