Elasticity meaning

Elasticity refers to the responsiveness of quantity demanded or supplied to a change in price.


Elasticity definitions

Word backwards yticitsale
Part of speech The word "elasticity" is a noun.
Syllabic division e-las-tic-i-ty
Plural The plural of the word elasticity is elasticities.
Total letters 10
Vogais (3) e,a,i
Consonants (5) l,s,t,c,y

Elasticity in Economics

Elasticity is a concept often used in economics to measure how sensitive the quantity demanded or supplied of a good is to changes in price, income, or other factors. It helps us understand how consumers and producers respond to changes in the market.

Types of Elasticity

There are various types of elasticity, including price elasticity of demand, price elasticity of supply, income elasticity of demand, and cross-price elasticity of demand. Each type measures a different aspect of how quantity demanded or supplied changes in response to different factors.

Price Elasticity of Demand

Price elasticity of demand measures how much the quantity demanded of a good changes in response to a change in its price. If a good has elastic demand, consumers are very responsive to price changes, leading to a large change in quantity demanded. In contrast, if a good has inelastic demand, consumers are less responsive to price changes.

Price Elasticity of Supply

Price elasticity of supply, on the other hand, measures how much the quantity supplied of a good changes in response to a change in its price. Goods with elastic supply can easily increase or decrease production in response to price changes, while goods with inelastic supply are more limited in their ability to adjust production.

Income Elasticity of Demand

Income elasticity of demand measures how much the quantity demanded of a good changes in response to a change in consumer income. If a good has a positive income elasticity, it is considered a normal good, as demand increases with income. Conversely, goods with a negative income elasticity are inferior goods, as demand decreases with income.

Cross-Price Elasticity of Demand

Cross-price elasticity of demand measures how much the quantity demanded of one good changes in response to a change in the price of another good. Goods with substitute goods have positive cross-price elasticity, as an increase in the price of one good leads to an increase in demand for the other. In contrast, goods with complementary goods have negative cross-price elasticity, as an increase in price reduces demand for both goods.

Elasticity is a crucial concept in economics that helps us understand how markets function and how consumers and producers behave in response to various factors. By analyzing the elasticity of demand and supply, economists can make informed predictions about the effects of price changes, income fluctuations, and other economic developments on the market.


Elasticity Examples

  1. The elasticity of the rubber band allowed it to stretch without breaking.
  2. Elasticity of demand refers to how consumer demand changes with price fluctuations.
  3. The economic recession tested the elasticity of the country's financial system.
  4. Yoga can help improve flexibility and elasticity in muscles.
  5. The company had to adjust their pricing strategy to account for the elasticity of the market.
  6. The elastic nature of the material made it ideal for sportswear.
  7. Elasticity in skin decreases with age, leading to wrinkles and sagging.
  8. Understanding price elasticity can help businesses determine optimal pricing strategies.
  9. The scientist studied the elasticity of the plant's stems to understand its growth patterns.
  10. An elastic bandage provides support and elasticity for injured joints.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 01/04/2024 - 23:27:24