loss leader

noun

: something (such as merchandise) sold at a loss in order to draw customers
loss-leader adjective

Examples of loss leader in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That wholesaler has become famous for its hot dogs, which serve as a loss leader. Jeff Fedotin, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 However, the company may be calculating that the deal acts as a loss leader. Joel Mathis, theweek, 2 July 2024 Chiang said the most effective loss leaders, a term for products that aren’t profitable but bring in enough new customers or lead to the sale of enough other items to make the offer worthwhile, use cheap ingredients. Marisa Gerber, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2024 That’s because of fierce grocery store competition and bananas’ role as a loss leader, or an item that is purposefully priced lower to attract customers and encourage them to buy more expensive products. Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 25 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loss leader 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loss leader.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loss leader was in 1917

Dictionary Entries Near loss leader

Cite this Entry

“Loss leader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loss%20leader. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

Legal Definition

loss leader

noun
loss lead·​er
: something (as merchandise) sold at a loss in order to draw customers
loss-leader adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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