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Definition of capitalism

capitalism

/ˈkæp.ɪ.təˌlɪz.əm/
cap · i · tal · is · m
Adverb:capitalistically
•
Adjective:capitalist
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capitalism Lexical Profile

capitalism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An economic and political system in which a country's trade, industry, and means of production are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state, with prices and distribution largely determined by competition in a free market.

Example

"Modern economists frequently debate the balance between unfettered capitalism and government regulation."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for capitalism

• Nearby Words

capillary
capisce
capital
capitalism
capitalist
capitalistic
capitalization

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century (originally in French as 'capitalisme' by socialist Louis Blanc in 1850 and in English by novelist William Makepeace Thackeray in 1854), derived from 'capital' (wealth or assets), which ultimately traces back to the Latin 'capitalis' (of the head), from 'caput' (head).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Capitalism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/capitalism
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