Wiktionary
n. (context economics English) A long-term fluctuation in economic activity between growth and recession
WordNet
n. recurring fluctuations in economic activity consisting of recession and recovery and growth and decline [syn: trade cycle]
Wikipedia
The business cycle or economic cycle is the downward and upward movement of gross domestic product (GDP) around its long-term growth trend. These fluctuations typically involve shifts over time between periods of relatively rapid economic growth ( expansions or booms), and periods of relative stagnation or decline (contractions or recessions).
Used in the indefinite sense, a business cycle is a period of time containing a single boom and contraction in sequence.
Business cycles are usually measured by considering the growth rate of real gross domestic product. Despite being termed cycles, these fluctuations in economic activity can prove unpredictable.
A boom-and-bust cycle is one in which the expansions are rapid and the contractions are steep and severe.
Usage examples of "business cycle".
By simply giving people the amount of money necessary to spring over the gap between available production and power to consume, you could end the boom and bust business cycle permanently, and free people to pursue their own interests.