noun

USP

yoo-es-PEE

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USP (noun) means the particular feature that makes a product, service or person different from and better than the competition, and the reason a customer should choose it. Example: “Their USP is that every repair is done the same day or it's free.”

noun

business The particular feature that makes a product, service or person different from and better than the competition, and the reason a customer should choose it.

"Their USP is that every repair is done the same day or it's free."

"The brand struggled because it had no clear USP beyond a low price."

technical United States Pharmacopeia, the official standards body whose initials appear on medicine and supplement labels to indicate the product meets its quality standards.

"Look for the USP mark on the bottle if you want an independently verified supplement."

How to use USP

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe one thing that makes your product different from everyone else's.

When to use it

Standard business and marketing vocabulary, especially in the UK; used freely in pitches and briefs.

Memory tip

Written as three capitals. Saying 'a unique USP' is redundant, since the U already means unique.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

value proposition brand positioning tagline →

Common pairings

clear USP what's your USP strong USP USP-driven

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Their _____ is that every repair is done the same day or it's free.

Etymology

An initialism of 'unique selling point', also expanded as 'unique selling proposition'.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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differentiator selling point competitive advantage edge hook

Related words

take side march completely join catch draw advantage

Rhymes for USP

cusp

See all rhymes for USP →

Frequently asked questions

What does USP stand for?

In marketing it stands for unique selling point, sometimes given as unique selling proposition. Both refer to the single clearest reason a buyer would pick you rather than a rival.

What makes a good USP?

It has to be true, specific, and hard for competitors to copy or claim themselves. 'Great customer service' fails on all three counts; 'the only insurer that pays out within 24 hours' passes.

What is the difference between a USP and a value proposition?

A USP is the one thing that sets you apart from competitors. A value proposition is the fuller statement of what a customer gets and why it is worth the price, and it usually contains the USP within it.

What is the meaning of USP?

"USP" (noun) means the particular feature that makes a product, service or person different from and better than the competition, and the reason a customer should choose it.

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