Black market: meaning, definitions and examples
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black market
[ blæk ˈmɑːrkɪt ]
illegal trading
A black market is an illegal system of buying and selling goods, usually in violation of government regulations. It operates outside the formal economy and is characterized by the absence of taxation, regulation, or oversight.
Synonyms
illegal trade, shadow economy, underground market
Examples of usage
- Many people turn to the black market to purchase goods that are not easily accessible through legal channels.
- The black market for counterfeit goods has been thriving in recent years.
Translations
Translations of the word "black market" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mercado negro
🇮🇳 काला बाज़ार
🇩🇪 Schwarzmarkt
🇮🇩 pasar gelap
🇺🇦 чорний ринок
🇵🇱 czarny rynek
🇯🇵 闇市 (やみいち)
🇫🇷 marché noir
🇪🇸 mercado negro
🇹🇷 kara borsa
🇰🇷 암시장 (amsijang)
🇸🇦 السوق السوداء
🇨🇿 černý trh
🇸🇰 čierny trh
🇨🇳 黑市 (hēishì)
🇸🇮 črni trg
🇮🇸 svartur markaður
🇰🇿 қара нарық
🇬🇪 შავი ბაზარი
🇦🇿 qara bazar
🇲🇽 mercado negro
Word origin
The term 'black market' originated during World War II, when goods were scarce and rationed. People would engage in illegal trading to obtain items that were not available through official channels. The black market has since evolved into a complex network of illegal trading activities, spanning various industries and regions. Despite efforts to combat it, the black market continues to thrive due to demand for prohibited or restricted goods.