black-market
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective: Relating to or involving the illegal buying and selling of goods or services, especially in violation of official controls, rationing, or price restrictions. It describes goods that are distributed or sold illicitly.
Usage
- The word "black-market" is used as an adjective before a noun to describe goods, services, or activities that are part of illegal trade.
- It is typically hyphenated when used as an adjective.
Examples
- Adjective:
- During the war, they bought black-market medicine.
- The police seized a shipment of black-market cigarettes.
- He was arrested for his involvement in black-market currency trading.
Advanced Usage
- "black-market" as a modifier: It is commonly used to modify nouns like "goods," "operations," "activities," "prices," or "economy."
- The black-market economy thrives where there are shortages.
- The term often implies a context of scarcity, high taxes, or prohibition that makes the illegal trade profitable.
Variants and Related Words
- Black market (noun phrase): The illegal market or network itself.
- There is a thriving black market for exotic animals.
- Black-marketeer (noun): A person who sells goods on the black market.
- Illicit (adjective): A close synonym meaning illegal or forbidden.
Synonyms
- Illicit: Unlawful, illegal.
- Bootleg: Made or sold illegally, especially of alcohol or recordings.
- Contraband: Goods that are imported or exported illegally.
Antonyms
- Legal: Permitted by law.
- Legitimate: Conforming to the law or rules.
- Aboveboard: Legitimate and honest.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To sell on the black market: The common verb phrase used with the noun form.
- Stolen artifacts often end up being sold on the black market.
- Black-market rates/prices: Refers to the prices charged in illegal trading, which are often much higher than official prices.
- They exchanged currency at black-market rates.
Adjective
- distributed or sold illicitly
- the black economy pays no taxes