The increase in a country's or region's production of goods and services over time, typically measured by rising gross domestic product (GDP).
The term became central to economic discourse in the 1940s-50s, particularly after WWII reconstruction efforts. 'Economic' comes from Greek 'oikonomia' (household management), while 'growth' derives from Old Norse 'groa' (to grow), reflecting how economists began viewing national economies as organic systems that could expand.
Economic growth has been humanity's dominant organizing principle for centuries, yet it's increasingly questioned in an age of climate change and inequality. Interestingly, some economists now advocate for 'degrowth' in wealthy nations, suggesting that the phrase that defined the modern era might need fundamental reconceptualization.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.