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Economics glossary · When markets fail

Non-excludability

What non-excludability means in economics, as one of two tests for a public good, and two ideas built on them, with an example and a question to test yourself.

Definition
Non-excludability
Non-excludability means it is costly or impossible to exclude someone from using the good, whether or not they have paid for it.
Example

Can you think of an example of non-excludability?

Test yourself

Can you name the two tests of a public good, and the two ideas built on them?

Learn it properly: the module

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