Glossary of IB Economics Terms

To excel in IB Economics, students need to have a good understanding of Economics Terminology. This is can be rather daunting for most students. In this page, we created a glossary of IB Economics terms to help students search for Economics definitions in just a few clicks. We hope you will find this tool useful.

If you like this resource, please like our facebook page

IB Economics Terms

All | # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

There are 12 names in this directory beginning with the letter D.

Deflation

Refers to the case where the average level of prices is decreasing through time. Deflation implies negative inflation rates

Deflationary gap

A deflationary gap is present if equilibrium (actual) real output falls short of the level corresponding to the full employment level of output as a result of insufficient aggregate demand.

Demand

the quantity of goods and services that consumers are willing, and able to buy at each possible price (over a given period of time)

Demand deficient unemployment

Refer to Cyclical unemployment

Demand pull inflation

Inflation resulting from aggregate demand rising (faster than aggregate supply).

Demand side policies

Policies aimed at influencing the level of aggregate demand in order to affect growth, employment and inflation. They include fiscal and monetary policy.

Demerit goods

Consumption of such goods creates very significant negative externalities on society so governments try to decrease or prohibit their consumption. Typical examples include alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs.

Depreciation (of a currency)

A decrease in the exchange rate within a floating (flexible) exchange rate system.

Devaluation (of a currency)

A decrease in the exchange rate within a fixed exchange rate system.

Differentiated products

Products which are similar but not identical across sellers in an industry. They are considered by consumers as close but not perfect substitutes.

Direct Tax

taxes (paid to the government) on income (households and firms)

Dynamic Efficiency

When a firm enjoys economies of scale, leading to faster rates of innovation (new products and new processes).