mechanical advantage
noun
: the advantage gained by the use of a mechanism in transmitting force
specifically
: the ratio of the force that performs the useful work of a machine to the force that is applied to the machine
Examples of mechanical advantage in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Either way, thanks to mechanical advantage, this narrowing of the axle region made the carts easier to push.
—
Kai James, The Conversation, 11 June 2025
The Zero Noise system connecting shaft lines to thrust bearings rather than the gear box has mechanical advantages but also minimizes noise and vibration.
—Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
The galago is able to manage this thanks to a rather clever bit of leg design which uses variable mechanical advantage, leveraging the shape of their leg to amplify the force that their muscles can deliver.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 June 2017
Wrenches, pliers, hammers, shovels, and jacks all helped build our world by harnessing the mechanical advantage of leverage.
—Popular Mechanics, 26 Jan. 2023
The mechanical advantage in a hi-lift is a simple lever.
—Wes Siler, Outside Online, 24 Aug. 2022
Because hydraulic jacks employ two forms of mechanical advantage, their levers can be short.
—Wes Siler, Outside Online, 24 Aug. 2022
Using a rope to rig up a mechanical advantage was good thinking.
—Joe Spring, Outside Online, 18 June 2013
Because of that mechanical advantage over the standard deadlift, the sumo deadlift holds a controversial reputation within the strength sports community.
—Philip Ellis, Men's Health, 28 Apr. 2022
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Kai James, The Conversation, 11 June 2025
The Zero Noise system connecting shaft lines to thrust bearings rather than the gear box has mechanical advantages but also minimizes noise and vibration.
—Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
The galago is able to manage this thanks to a rather clever bit of leg design which uses variable mechanical advantage, leveraging the shape of their leg to amplify the force that their muscles can deliver.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 June 2017
Wrenches, pliers, hammers, shovels, and jacks all helped build our world by harnessing the mechanical advantage of leverage.
—Popular Mechanics, 26 Jan. 2023
The mechanical advantage in a hi-lift is a simple lever.
—Wes Siler, Outside Online, 24 Aug. 2022
Because hydraulic jacks employ two forms of mechanical advantage, their levers can be short.
—Wes Siler, Outside Online, 24 Aug. 2022
Using a rope to rig up a mechanical advantage was good thinking.
—Joe Spring, Outside Online, 18 June 2013
Because of that mechanical advantage over the standard deadlift, the sumo deadlift holds a controversial reputation within the strength sports community.
—Philip Ellis, Men's Health, 28 Apr. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Mechanical advantage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mechanical%20advantage. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.
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