Capitalism — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈka-pə-tə-ˌliz-əm/ cap·i·tal·ism

Meaning & Definition of Capitalism

Capitalism (noun)

  1. an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market

Origin & Etymology of Capitalism

capital:2 + -ism, after capitalist:1

First known use: 1833

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Capitalism

Words & Phrases Containing Capitalism

anti-capitalism, crony capitalism, late capitalism, state capitalism, vulture capitalism

Frequently Asked Questions about Capitalism

What does "Capitalism" mean?

"Capitalism" means an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market. As a noun, it is defined as: an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market.

Is "Capitalism" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Capitalism" is a noun.

Is "Capitalism" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Capitalism" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Capitalism"?

"Capitalism" is pronounced /ˈka-pə-tə-ˌliz-əm/ and divided into syllables as cap·i·tal·ism.

What is the origin of the word "Capitalism"?

"Capitalism" comes from capital:2 + -ism, after capitalist:1. First known use: 1833.

What CEFR level is "Capitalism"?

"Capitalism" is a C1-level word in SophDict's CEFR vocabulary lists, which group English words from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).

What topics is "Capitalism" used in?

"Capitalism" is commonly used in topics such as Business & Economics.