Word
economic growth
Definition
compound. an increase in the amount of goods and services a country produces over time.
compound. an increase in the capacity of an economy to produce goods and services, compared from one period of time to another; typically measured by GDP.
Examples
“The country is enjoying steady economic growth this year.”
“Low interest rates are often used by governments to encourage investment and stimulate economic growth.”
“Sustainable economic growth remains a primary objective for developing nations seeking to improve living standards without depleting natural resources.”
Examples
simple
“The country is enjoying steady economic growth this year.”
contextual
“Low interest rates are often used by governments to encourage investment and stimulate economic growth.”
complex
“Sustainable economic growth remains a primary objective for developing nations seeking to improve living standards without depleting natural resources.”
Usage
usually uncountable; often paired with adjectives like 'rapid', 'steady', 'slow', or 'sustainable'.
Teaching tip
distinguish between 'economic' (related to the economy) and 'economical' (saving money/cheap), as students frequently confuse these two adjectives in this compound.
Pitfall
economical growth
economic growth
'economical' means avoiding waste or being cheap, whereas 'economic' relates to the system of trade and industry.