adjective

like-for-like

lyke-fuh-LYKE

Like-for-like (adjective) means comparing two things on exactly the same basis, so that the comparison is fair. Example: “On a like-for-like basis, sales rose four per cent.”

adjective

Comparing two things on exactly the same basis, so that the comparison is fair.

"On a like-for-like basis, sales rose four per cent."

"We need a like-for-like quote before we choose a builder."

In retail and business reporting, describing figures that exclude new or closed outlets so that only the performance of the same stores in both periods is counted.

"Like-for-like sales fell, even though total revenue grew after the chain opened twelve new branches."

Replacing something with an item of the same type and standard.

"The insurer offered a like-for-like replacement for the damaged roof tiles."

How to use like-for-like

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishComparing two things fairly, using exactly the same measure for each.

When to use it

Common in British business journalism and in insurance and construction; "same-store" is preferred in the US.

Memory tip

Also used as an adverb: "Like for like, the cheaper model performs just as well."

Easily confused with

same-store sales apples to apples comparable →

Common pairings

like-for-like sales on a like-for-like basis like-for-like comparison like-for-like replacement

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

On a _____ basis, sales rose four per cent.

Synonyms

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comparable equivalent matched directly comparable same-store comparable-store

Related words

same similar equal relative equivalent comparison superior parallel

Rhymes for like-for-like

Ike bike mike Nike like dike hike pike alike spike strike unlike

See all rhymes for like-for-like →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between like-for-like sales and total sales?

Total sales count everything a business took in, including money from shops or products it did not have last year. Like-for-like sales strip out those additions and closures, so they show whether the existing business is genuinely growing rather than just getting bigger.

Is like-for-like hyphenated?

It is normally hyphenated when it comes before a noun, as in "like-for-like growth". Written after the verb, or in the phrase "on a like-for-like basis", the hyphens are often kept as well; both styles are accepted.

What is the American equivalent of like-for-like?

American retail reporting usually says "same-store sales" or "comparable-store sales" where British reporting says "like-for-like sales". The calculation behind them is the same.

What is the meaning of like-for-like?

"like-for-like" (adjective) means comparing two things on exactly the same basis, so that the comparison is fair.

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same similar equal relative equivalent comparison superior parallel