Learn › Economics glossary › When markets fail

Economics glossary · When markets fail

Private good

What private good means in economics, with an example and a question to test yourself.

Definition
Private good
A private good is a separate and identifiable item that can be bought and sold, like a slice of pizza.
Not to be confused with: Public good
A public good is non-excludable and non-rival, so nobody can be kept from using it and one person's use leaves no less for anyone else.
Test yourself

What is the difference between private good and public good?

Learn it properly: the module

Related terms