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"The economics of the matter mean that your proposal is not feasible."

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"The economics of the matter means that your proposal is not feasible."

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    Google Books claims 58 instances of "the economics are complex", but only 3 of "the economics is complex". But in closely-related usages such as "Economics is too complex for me" it's obviously the other way around. Having said that, I personally would definitely use plural mean in OP's exact context. Commented Nov 24, 2014 at 17:35

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The plural is the correct and more common form in your sentence:

Economics: ( from Collins Dictionary )

  • (used with a sing. verb) The social science that deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services and with the theory and management of economies or economic systems.

  • (Economics) (functioning as plural) financial aspects: the economics of the project are very doubtful.

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Economics - Merriam-Webster online describes the word as “noun plural but singular/plural in construction.”

Referring to a social science, it’s singular:

  • Economics is often called “the dismal science.”.

Referring to a set of conditions, it’s plural:

  • The economics of the project make it impossible to proceed.
  • The economics of the matter mean that your proposal is not feasible.

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