leverage

[ˈliːv(ə)ɹɪdʒ]

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Leverage is when you use something or someone to get more power or advantage.

When people talk about leverage, they often mean using a resource or opportunity to get ahead. For example, if you invest money wisely, it can give you financial leverage, allowing you to earn even more money in the future. This means you're not just relying on your own effort, but also on the power of your investments. Some people use social media as leverage by building a large following and then selling products or services to their audience. In business, companies might use technology as leverage to increase efficiency and reduce costs. The key idea is that leverage helps you get more done with less effort or cost.

How common is "leverage"?

Word leverage is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

noun

A force compounded by means of a lever rotating around a pivot; see torque.
Example: A crowbar uses leverage to pry nails out of wood.
By extension, any influence which is compounded or used to gain an advantage.
Example: Try using competitors’ prices for leverage in the negotiation.
The use of borrowed funds with a contractually determined return to increase the ability of a business to invest and earn an expected higher return, but usually at high risk.
Example: Leverage is great until something goes wrong with your investments and you still have to pay your debts.
The ability to earn very high returns when operating at high capacity utilization of a facility.
Example: Their variable-cost-reducing investments have dramatically increased their leverage.

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operating leveragemechanical advantagefinancial leverage

verb

To use; to exploit; to manipulate in order to take full advantage (of something).
Example: They plan to leverage off the publicity to get a good distribution agreement.

exploituse

Real examples of "leverage" in context

Real-world video examples for this word are still being added.

leverage

How common is "leverage"?

noun

verb

Real examples of "leverage" in context

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