private enterprise

noun

1. free enterprise.

private enterprise

noun

1. economic activity undertaken by private individuals or organizations under private ownership Compare public enterprise

2. another name for capitalism

private enterprise

1. Business carried on for profit and not owned by the government; also, the system that discourages public ownership of business; the same as free enterprise. (See private sector.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of private enterprise¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Research has made clear that Latinos bear the brunt of underrepresentation across important societal institutions such as academia, private enterprise, philanthropy and news media.

From Los Angeles Times

And perhaps also on how civilian society and private enterprise can play their parts.

From BBC

The measure ran into opposition from President Coolidge and his Treasury secretary, the multimillionaire Andrew Mellon, who thought private enterprise should take on the task.

From Los Angeles Times

He also said it was the "right time for private enterprises and private entrepreneurs to fully display their talents".

From BBC

He suggested that if the US put a base on Mars then "after that's done, the expensive way, private enterprise can say 'well, maybe there is another way to get there that is cheaper'."

From BBC