private sector: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to Neutral. Frequently used in business, economics, politics, and news media. Less common in casual conversation unless discussing relevant topics.
Quick answer
What does “private sector” mean?
The part of the economy that is owned and controlled by individuals and private companies rather than the government.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The part of the economy that is owned and controlled by individuals and private companies rather than the government.
The sphere of commercial, industrial, and service-providing activities conducted by privately owned organizations, operating independently of direct state control. It includes everything from small businesses to large multinational corporations. This sector is primarily driven by profit motives, competition, and market forces.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. The spelling of related words may differ (e.g., privatise vs. privatize).
Connotations
In both varieties, it broadly carries connotations of efficiency, innovation, and market discipline, but also potential criticism regarding inequality, profit motives, or lack of public service ethos. The political valence of these connotations can vary by region and context.
Frequency
Equally common and core to the economic vocabulary of both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “private sector” in a Sentence
The [private sector] + verb (invests, creates, provides)[Verb] + the private sector (grow, support, regulate)Private sector + [noun] (company, partnership, entity)In/within/from the private sectorVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “private sector” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government aims to private-sectorise certain services.
- They decided to private-sector the prison management.
American English
- The government aims to privatize certain services.
- They decided to contract out the prison management to the private sector.
adverb
British English
- The service was run private-sector-style.
- The fund is managed more private-sectorly now.
American English
- The operation functions very much private-sector-like.
- The agency is trying to operate more like a private-sector entity.
adjective
British English
- He has extensive private-sector experience.
- We are seeking a private-sector partner for the venture.
American English
- She made a move from public to private-sector work.
- This is a prime example of private-sector innovation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to market competitors, potential partners, or the primary employment domain. 'We need more private sector involvement in this infrastructure project.'
Academic
Used in economics, political science, and sociology to analyze economic systems, labour markets, and policy impacts. 'The study examines wage differentials between the public and private sector.'
Everyday
Used when discussing career choices, news about the economy, or privatisation of services. 'She left her government job for a higher salary in the private sector.'
Technical
In policy or legal documents, precisely defines the scope of contractual arrangements and regulatory jurisdictions. 'The tender is open to all qualified private sector bidders.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “private sector”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “private sector”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “private sector”
- Using 'private sector' as a countable noun (e.g., 'I work for a private sector'). Correct: 'I work in the private sector' or 'for a private sector company.'
- Incorrectly hyphenating it as 'private-sector' when used as a preceding noun (it is usually open compound: 'private sector jobs').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it's a specific part. The private sector includes all non-government entities. Charities (the 'third' or 'voluntary sector') are privately owned (not by the state) but are distinct from for-profit businesses within the private sector.
Yes, it is commonly used attributively (before a noun) as an open compound adjective, e.g., 'private sector employee,' 'private sector investment.' It is not usually hyphenated.
They are closely related. 'Privatisation' is the specific process of transferring ownership of a service or asset from the public sector (government) to the private sector. 'Moving to the private sector' can refer to that process or to an individual changing jobs from a public to a private employer.
No. It encompasses the entire spectrum of privately owned economic activity, from sole traders and family-run shops to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large multinational corporations.
The part of the economy that is owned and controlled by individuals and private companies rather than the government.
Private sector is usually formal to neutral. frequently used in business, economics, politics, and news media. less common in casual conversation unless discussing relevant topics. in register.
Private sector: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpraɪvət ˈsek.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpraɪ.vɪt ˈsek.tɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To move/go/transition to the private sector”
- “A public-private partnership (PPP)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PRIVATE business SECT-OR (sector) of a city map that is colored in, representing all the non-government buildings and companies.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often metaphorically framed as an ENGINE or DRIVER of growth ('the private sector drives the economy'), a PLAYER in a game ('a key player in the private sector'), or a REALM/SPHERE separate from the government.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a classic antonym of 'private sector'?