Learn › Economics glossary › When markets fail

Economics glossary · When markets fail

Public good

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

Definition
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.
Not to be confused with: Private good
A private good is a separate and identifiable item that can be bought and sold, like a slice of pizza.
Test yourself

What is the difference between public good and private good?

Learn it properly: the module

Related terms