Submarginal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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submarginal
[sʌbˈmɑːr.dʒɪ.nəl ]
Definition
economic context
Submarginal refers to resources, units, or elements that are below the marginal level, meaning they do not contribute significantly to profit or output. In economics, submarginal items are those that are not efficient enough to meet the threshold for use in production or consumption. The term can also be applied in the context of land use, indicating areas that are not suitable for farming or other productive activities.
Synonyms
inefficient, marginal, underperforming.
Examples of usage
- The farm's submarginal land was left uncultivated.
- Investing in submarginal projects can lead to financial losses.
- Efforts were made to improve submarginal areas in the community.
Translations
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Origin of 'submarginal'
The term 'submarginal' combines the prefix 'sub-', meaning 'below' or 'under', with the root 'marginal', which originates from the Latin word 'marginalis', meaning 'of the margin'. In economic theory, it reflects a concept developed to analyze the efficiency of resources and their marginal productivity. It has been utilized in discussions on land use and agricultural productivity since the early 20th century. Over time, it has gained importance in policy-making related to resource allocation, reflecting concerns about underutilization in both economic and environmental contexts.