elasticity of demand

Definition

Responsiveness of the demand for a good or service to the increase or decrease in its price. Normally, sales increase with drop in prices and decrease with rise in prices. As a general rule, appliances, cars, confectionary and other non-essentials show elasticity of demand whereas most necessities (food, medicine, basic clothing) show inelasticity of demand (do not sell significantly more or less with changes in price). See also cross price elasticity of demand.



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