underground economy

underground economy definition - business

underground economy

Commerce that escapes notice by the government. Illegal activities, including selling illegal drugs, are included in the underground economy. Barter of goods that is not reported and escapes taxation is also a major part of the underground economy.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Business Terms Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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