In economics, what does the term 'equilibrium' refer to?

Equilibrium in economics refers to the point where supply meets demand, which is a fundamental concept in market analysis. At this equilibrium point, the quantity of goods that consumers are willing to purchase matches the quantity that producers are willing to sell. This balance ensures that there is no surplus or shortage in the market; if the price were to rise above this point, supply would exceed demand, resulting in excess inventory, while prices below this point would lead to greater demand than supply, resulting in shortages.

Understanding equilibrium is crucial for analyzing how various factors, such as a shift in consumer preferences or changes in production costs, can affect market balance. Additionally, this concept is essential for determining how markets respond to external changes, leading to price adjustments that ultimately restore equilibrium.