tragedy of the commons

The idea that since no one owns a common are (e.g., a public park) that no one takes care of it

The rundown condition of the park was another example of the tragedy of the commons

by Robbo August 27, 2003

tragedy of the commons

The fact that unregulated resources that are held in common are exploited to the point where they lose their usefulness.

Commonly used to argue that having any resources (parks, etc.) held in common will always lead to their destruction. Especially by libertarians and people who want corporate welfare.

We could make this publically-owned pristine forest into a public park Governor, but that would only lead to the tragedy of the commons. Let's sell it to the logging intrests instead! Since they'll have ownership over the land, they'll have good reason to take care of it.

by Colonoscopy October 30, 2003

The Tragedy of the Commons

It some fancy term used by hyper-intelligent retards that talks about cows, cheese, enclosure, over grassing, and shit (Like tons of shit, like holy shit cows shit a lot). But the term is an allusion to the relation of the idea that an individual Nation-State will fuck over the world to achieve it's short-term desire like a teen girl who hasn't discovered the wonders of the pill, compared to the idea of Nation-States coming together to achieve long term goals together like some basic assholes that you'ed expect political ass-hats to do.

You know what else is like The Tragedy of the Commons, Deez Nuts!

by Emerson ain't got shit on me December 4, 2017

Chi Wah Learning Commons

a place in Hong Kong University where a bunch of dick heads occupy the seats by placing their personal stuff; in another words, it is a heaven for theft and hell for needy student.

I hope those assholes' laptops get stolen in Chi Wah Learning Commons.

by MarvellousAss September 21, 2022

tragedy of the commons

Literally, this means what happens when something shared by all gets abused.

I.E. everyone lets their dogs poo all over Central Park becuase they can all use it and none of em own it or have to take care of it.

by Home-mang August 26, 2003

global commons

(GLOW-bowl KAHM-unz) noun. natural resources (such as pure water and clean air) that should be provided for everyone free of charge, regardless of socioeconomic status for they belong, worldwide, to everyone- EQUALLY!

sane person: "If Suez, the conglomerate that fucked up Atlanta's water and sewer system, hooks up with Omni-tems and the neo cons the global commons is truly in jeopardy."
another sane person: "They would like nothing better than the privatization of everything.
sane person: "Yeah, the next thing you know they will be selling us air!"
another sane person: "Well, it's like Lenin said, 'The decline of capitalism leads to fascism.'"

by Nedd Ludd October 10, 2005

tragedy of the commons

A situation where the overuse or abuse by some of a resource that lies in the public domain leads to the loss of use of the resource for everyone.

When Fred let his sheep graze on the public square, he caused a real tragedy of the commons . . . now where are the college students supposed to go to play frisbee?

by Julia August 27, 2003