In Economics, Demand Is Not the Same as Wanting
A demand is a forceful request. In economics it means something narrower: willingness backed by ability to pay.
A demand is an insistent request. Economics gives it a precise definition that catches people out: demand means the quantity buyers are both willing *and able* to purchase at a given price. Wanting something you cannot afford is not demand, which is why economists distinguish it from need.
- A forceful request. *A demand for payment.*
- Requirement. *High demand for housing.*
- To request forcefully. *Demand an answer.*
- In demand — sought after. *Her work is in demand.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | demand | Strong demand. |
| Plural | demands | Union demands. |
| Verb | demand | Demand action. |
| Adjective | demanding | A demanding job. |
| Related | supply | Supply and demand. |
How it is used in a sentence
- Demand exceeded supply.Economics.
- She demanded an explanation.Verb: no *for*.
- A demanding schedule.Requiring much effort.
Demand in economics
- Effective demand — willingness plus ability to pay
- Demand curve — how quantity varies with price
- Elastic demand — quantity changes sharply with price
- Inelastic demand — quantity barely changes, as with essential medicines
- Derived demand — demand for one thing arising from demand for another
From Old French *demander*, from Latin *demandare*, to entrust or charge, from *de* and *mandare*, to order.
Demand or demand for?
The verb takes no preposition: demand an answer. The noun takes *for*: a demand for answers.
Is wanting something the same as demand?
Not in economics. Demand requires both willingness and the ability to pay at the given price.