noun
Common
leverage
LEHV-rihj
Leverage (noun) means Power or influence used to get an advantage or achieve a desired result. Example: “The union used its leverage to negotiate better pay and conditions.”
noun
1
Power or influence used to get an advantage or achieve a desired result.
"The union used its leverage to negotiate better pay and conditions."
"With few other buyers around, the seller had little leverage in the negotiation."
"Having a second job offer gave her extra leverage when she asked for a raise."
2
The use of borrowed money to increase the potential return of an investment.
"The fund relies heavily on leverage, which increases both potential gains and risk."
"Too much leverage can wipe out an investor if the market suddenly falls."
"The property company used leverage to buy several buildings with very little of its own cash."
verb
1
To use something to maximum advantage.
"The startup leveraged its social media following to launch the new product."
"She leveraged her years of teaching experience to land a job in training."
"We should leverage the free tools we already have instead of buying new software."
How to use leverage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsing something you have — influence, money, or a position — to get a bigger result than you could otherwise.
When to use it
Common in business and finance contexts; using "leverage" as a verb ("to leverage something") is standard in that register but can sound like jargon elsewhere.
Common pairings
leverage a relationship
financial leverage
gain leverage
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Word forms
- Plural
- leverages
- Third person singular
- leverages
- Past tense
- leveraged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The union used its _____ to negotiate better pay and conditions.
Etymology
From "lever" plus the suffix "-age"; the financial and figurative senses came later, extending the physical idea of a lever multiplying force.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for leverage
See all rhymes for leverage →Frequently asked questions
What does “leverage” mean?
The word “leverage” means power or influence used to get an advantage or achieve a desired result. In plain terms, using something you have — influence, money, or a position — to get a bigger result than you could otherwise.
How do you pronounce “leverage”?
“Leverage” is pronounced LEHV-rihj (/ˈlɛv.(ə.)ɹɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “leverage” in a sentence?
Here is “leverage” used in a sentence: “The union used its leverage to negotiate better pay and conditions.”
What part of speech is “leverage”?
Depending on how it is used, “leverage” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “leverage” a common word?
“Leverage” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “leverage” have?
“Leverage” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: power or influence used to get an advantage or achieve a desired result.
What is the difference between leverage and influence?
Both refer to power that helps you get a result, but leverage is a specific advantage or point of pressure you can apply in a particular situation, while influence is a broader, ongoing ability to affect people or events. You gain leverage in a single negotiation, whereas you hold influence over a group or field.
When should you use leverage as a verb instead of 'use'?
As a verb, leverage means to use something to maximum advantage, so it carries a strategic, business-like tone. Plain 'use' is better in everyday writing where no amplification or strategic gain is implied, since 'leverage' can otherwise sound like jargon.
What is financial leverage?
In finance, leverage is the use of borrowed money to increase the potential return of an investment. Because borrowing magnifies both gains and losses, high leverage is generally considered a higher-risk strategy.
What prepositions are used with leverage?
You typically have or gain leverage 'over' someone or 'with' another party, and you apply leverage 'in' a negotiation. Used as a verb, you leverage something 'to' achieve a particular result.
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