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leverage

[ lev-er-ij, lee-ver- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the action of a lever, a rigid bar that pivots about one point and that is used to move an object at a second point by a force applied at a third.
the mechanical advantage or power gained by using a lever.
power or ability to act or to influence people, events, decisions, etc.; sway:
Being the only industry in town gave the company considerable leverage in its union negotiations.
Synonyms: , , , ,
the use of a small initial investment, credit, or borrowed funds to gain a very high return in relation to one's investment, to control a much larger investment, or to reduce one's own liability for any loss.

verb (used with object)

leveraged, leveraging.

to use (a quality or advantage) to obtain a desired effect or result:
She was able to leverage her travel experience and her gift for languages to get a job as a translator.
to provide with leverage:
The board of directors plans to leverage two failing branches of the company with an influx of cash.
to invest or arrange (invested funds) using leverage.
to exert power or influence on:
It was Joe who leveraged her to change her habits.

leverage

/ ˈlɛv-; -vrɪdʒ; ˈliːvərɪdʒ /

noun

the action of a lever
the mechanical advantage gained by employing a lever
power to accomplish something; strategic advantage
the enhanced power available to a large company
the supermarket chains have greater leverage than single-outlet enterprises
US word for gearing
the use made by a company of its limited assets to guarantee the substantial loans required to finance its business

leverage

The amount in which a purchase is paid for in borrowed money. The greater the leverage, the greater the possible gain or potential loss.

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Other Word Forms

�Դǲ�·��İ�·�� adjective
�ܲ�·��İ�·�� adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of leverage¹

First recorded in 1715–25; lever + -age

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

She described the current union as "broken", and believes a referendum, or the threat of it, will give Albertans "leverage" in future negotiations with Ottawa.

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Australia has been investing in refining rare earths as part of its Future Made in Australia plan, aimed at leveraging the country's critical minerals reserves to drive the green transition.

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While Labour has never held a majority in the Welsh Parliament, other parties will likely hold leverage than before if the election result reflects the state of the polls.

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Some argue that this gives Beijing leverage: Chinese media has regularly floated the idea of selling or withholding purchases of US bonds as a "weapon".

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It is unclear whether China will cooperate, however, when it sees pain first setting in for American households that could maximize its leverage in trade negotiations.

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Related Words

lever action leveraged buyout

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