third sector: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, academic, professional (policy, economics, social sciences).
Quick answer
What does “third sector” mean?
The part of an economy and society composed of non-profit, non-governmental, and charitable organizations, distinct from the public sector (government) and private sector (business).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The part of an economy and society composed of non-profit, non-governmental, and charitable organizations, distinct from the public sector (government) and private sector (business).
Encompasses a diverse range of organizations, including charities, foundations, social enterprises, cooperatives, community groups, and voluntary associations, all oriented towards social, environmental, or cultural goals rather than profit or state control.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used and institutionalised in UK policy and academic discourse. In the US, 'nonprofit sector' or 'independent sector' are often preferred, though 'third sector' is understood.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries strong connotations of partnership with the state (e.g., in delivering public services). In the US, it may emphasize independence from government.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English. In US English, 'nonprofit sector' is the dominant term.
Grammar
How to Use “third sector” in a Sentence
The third sector + verb (plays, provides, operates)Adjective + third sector (vibrant, shrinking, professionalised)Preposition + the third sector (in, within, for, by the third sector)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “third sector” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government aims to **third-sectorise** some public services.
- Funding was **third-sectored** out to local charities.
American English
- The initiative was **spun off** into the nonprofit sector.
- They are working to **nonprofitize** that model.
adverb
British English
- The service is delivered **in a third-sector way**, focusing on community engagement.
American English
- The organisation operates **nonprofitably**, reinvesting all surplus.
adjective
British English
- She has extensive **third-sector** experience.
- We need a strong **third-sector** voice in the debate.
American English
- He took a **nonprofit-sector** job after corporate life.
- The **independent-sector** perspective was valuable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) contexts, e.g., 'We partner with third-sector bodies on community projects.'
Academic
Common in sociology, political economy, and public policy papers analysing the role of non-state actors in welfare provision.
Everyday
Rare. Might be encountered in news reports about charity funding or government policy.
Technical
Key term in social policy, philanthropy studies, and nonprofit management.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “third sector”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “third sector”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “third sector”
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'a third sector' instead of 'a third-sector organisation').
- Confusing it with the 'tertiary sector' (services) of the standard three-sector economic model (primary, secondary, tertiary).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, yes. While social enterprises may generate profit, their primary aim is social or environmental benefit, and profits are reinvested. This aligns them with the third sector's values, though they represent a 'hybrid' model.
'Civil society' is a broader concept including all associations of citizens (e.g., clubs, unions, online groups) outside family, state, and market. The 'third sector' is a subset of civil society, specifically the formally constituted, non-profit-distributing organisations.
Yes, extensively. Many third-sector organisations rely on a mix of government grants/contracts, private donations, and earned income. A key debate is whether this funding compromises their independence.
It emerged as a conceptual category in the late 20th century to describe the organised, non-governmental, non-commercial sphere of activity, seen as distinct from the first sector (state/public) and the second sector (market/private business).
The part of an economy and society composed of non-profit, non-governmental, and charitable organizations, distinct from the public sector (government) and private sector (business).
Third sector is usually formal, academic, professional (policy, economics, social sciences). in register.
Third sector: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθɜːd ˈsek.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθɝːd ˈsek.tɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The third leg of the stool (referring to the three sectors of society)”
- “Neither fish nor fowl (describing its hybrid nature)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of society as a three-legged stool: LEG 1 (Public/State), LEG 2 (Private/Business), LEG 3 (Third/Nonprofit). The third sector provides essential balance.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECTOR as a DISTINCT DOMAIN or SPHERE of activity; SOCIETY as an ECONOMY divided into PARTS/SEGMENTS.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically considered part of the third sector?