A vocabulary exercise covering the language of economics and macroeconomic discussion. These terms appear in financial news, policy debates, and the professional conversations of economists and business analysts.
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Choose the correct response to complete each sentence.
1. The economy is in a bit of a __________________________. = The economy is not doing too well.
Correct answer: downturn.
2. The outlook is very bad. = The outlook is pretty __________________________.
Correct answer: grim.
3. The government wants to __________________________ some of the corporations. (meaning: to rescue them from bankruptcy by giving them money)
Correct answer: bail out.
4. The economy is going through a serious ____________________.
Correct answer: crisis.
5. All the leading economic ___________________________ (meaning: indexes, signs) point to a further decline in the economy.
Correct answer: indicators.
6. The market has been ___________________________. = It has been difficult to predict what the market would do.
Correct answer: unpredictable.
7. Policymakers are not taking enough ____________________ (meaning: not doing enough) to improve the economy.
Correct answer: steps.
8. The stock market __________________ again today. = The stock market fell sharply again today.
Correct answer: plunged.
9. Everyone seems to think that the economy will worsen before it ___________________________.
Correct answer: improves.
10. The government hopes its economic recovery ____________________ will improve the situation.
Correct answer: package.
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📚 Important Words to Know GDP (Gross Domestic Product) — the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders in a year recession — a period of economic decline lasting at least two consecutive quarters, marked by falling output and rising unemployment inflation rate — the percentage increase in the general price level of goods and services over a period of time unemployment rate — the percentage of the labor force that is jobless and actively seeking work trade deficit — when a country's imports of goods and services exceed its exports in value austerity measures — government policies that reduce public spending and increase taxes to reduce budget deficits quantitative easing — a monetary policy where a central bank purchases securities to increase money supply and stimulate growth interest rate hike — an increase in a central bank's benchmark rate, typically used to control inflation economic stimulus — government actions intended to encourage spending and investment to boost economic activity consumer confidence index — a measure of how optimistic consumers are about economic conditions and their financial situation