leverage
/ˈlɛv.(ə.)ɹɪd͡ʒ/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 3.88 in modern English
12
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
3
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
The use of borrowed funds with a contractually determined return to increase the ability to invest and earn an expected higher return, but usually at high risk.
Uncountable
noun
The ability to earn very high returns when operating at high-capacity utilization of a facility.
Uncountable
verb
To use; to exploit; to manipulate in order to take full advantage (of something).
American usage; Slang; Transitive verb
Example Sentences
- "A crowbar uses leverage to pry nails out of wood."
- "In order to proportion the braking force to the weight carried by a wheel - a matter of special importance in the braking of wagons - variable leverage systems are now being introduced in which the end of one axle spring is linked to a control spring in the change-over valve, so automatically varying the leverage exerted by the brake-rod according to whether the wagon is full or empty."
- "Try using competitors’ prices for leverage in the negotiation."
- "The former Forest man, who passed a late fitness test, appeared to use Guy Moussi for leverage before nodding in David Fox's free-kick at the far post - his 22nd goal of the season."
- "Leverage is great until something goes wrong with your investments and you still have to pay your debts."
- "Online margin trading is usually based on leverage, where the brokerage effectively lets you borrow more money than you have deposited as collateral."
Etymology
Usage
- Uncountable
- American usage
- Slang
- Transitive verb