command economy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic, Political, Economic, Formal
Quick answer
What does “command economy” mean?
An economic system in which the government controls all aspects of production, distribution, and pricing of goods and services, rather than market forces.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An economic system in which the government controls all aspects of production, distribution, and pricing of goods and services, rather than market forces.
A centrally planned economy where state authorities make key economic decisions, often associated with socialist or communist systems. The term can be used metaphorically to describe any highly centralized, top-down control system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling follows regional norms (e.g., 'centrally-planned' hyphenation more common in BrE).
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties when used in mainstream economic/political discourse.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in AmE political rhetoric; equally common in academic economics globally.
Grammar
How to Use “command economy” in a Sentence
operate a command economytransition from a command economythe flaws of a command economyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “command economy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The state commandeered the economy.
- They sought to command the nation's economic levers.
American English
- The government commanded the flow of all goods.
- Politicians argued over how to command economic policy.
adverb
British English
- The industry was run command-economy style for decades.
American English
- Resources were allocated command-economy fashion.
adjective
British English
- The command-economy model proved unsustainable.
- He had a command-economy mindset.
American English
- They lived under a command-economy system.
- The debate centered on command-economy principles.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to contrast with corporate strategy or to describe hostile regulatory environments: 'Operating there feels like navigating a command economy.'
Academic
Standard term in economics, political science, and history for classifying economic systems.
Everyday
Used in political discussions/news to criticise excessive government intervention: 'The new regulations are creating a command economy for energy.'
Technical
Precise descriptor in economic modelling and comparative systems analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “command economy”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “command economy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “command economy”
- Using 'commanding economy' (incorrect adjective form). Confusing with 'mixed economy'. Using as a plural (*command economies) is correct, but learners sometimes treat it as uncountable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Command economy is a specific mechanism of control (central planning). Socialism is a broader political/economic ideology which can, but does not always, employ a command economy. Some socialist models advocate market socialism.
A market economy or free-market economy, where decisions are primarily driven by individuals and businesses interacting in a marketplace with minimal government direction.
In pure form, very few. North Korea's economy is often cited. Others like Cuba and Belarus have significant command elements but may incorporate limited market features. China has a 'socialist market economy' with strong state direction in key sectors.
Key reasons include: the complexity of planning an entire economy leads to inefficiencies (calculation problem), lack of price signals causes misallocation of resources, suppression of incentives for innovation and productivity, and frequent shortages or surpluses due to poor information flow.
An economic system in which the government controls all aspects of production, distribution, and pricing of goods and services, rather than market forces.
Command economy is usually academic, political, economic, formal in register.
Command economy: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈmɑːnd ɪˈkɒnəmi/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈmænd ɪˈkɑːnəmi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The command-and-control model”
- “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs (associated principle)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
COMMAND = the government COMMANDS what is made, sold, and for how much.
Conceptual Metaphor
ECONOMY IS A MACHINE (to be controlled and programmed by planners).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key feature of a command economy?