capitalism

Word parts

capital + -ism

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈkapɪt(ə)lɪz(ə)m/
• (US) enPR: kăpʹĭ-tl-ĭz'm, IPA ^(key): /ˈkæpɪ̈tl̩ˌɪzm̩/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Noun

Singular capitalism

Plural capitalisms

1. (uncountable) Capitalism is an economic system in which ordinary people own land and businesses and use them to increase their wealth.

   East Germany changed from the Soviet Union's type of socialism to the Western type of capitalism after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

   Many people blame capitalism for poverty and pollution.

Related words

• capital
• capitalist