Market failure occurs when producers fail to sufficiently supply resources in the free market. This leads to an imbalance between supply and demand. Market failure falls into two categories: partial market failure and complete market failure.

In partial market failure, supplies are produced, but there is in an inadequate amount to meet the demand. Monopolies can cause partial market failure by reducing the supply of their products to drive up prices.

Complete market failure simply means that products are not supplied at all; this is caused by a missing market. The failure to maintain supply and demand in the free market is detrimental to the economy.