leverage

(noun, verb)

noun

1. the mechanical advantage gained by being in a position to use a lever

Similar word(s): purchase

Definition categories: phenomenon

2. strategic advantage; power to act effectively

- relatively small groups can sometimes exert immense political leverage

Definition categories: attribute, advantage, vantage

3. investing with borrowed money as a way to amplify potential gains (at the risk of greater losses)

Similar word(s): leveraging

Definition categories: act, investing, investment

Sentences with leverage as a noun:

- A crowbar uses leverage to pry nails out of wood.

- Try using competitors’ prices for leverage in the negotiation.

- Leverage is great until something goes wrong with your investments and you still have to pay your debts.

- Their variable-cost-reducing investments have dramatically increased their leverage.

verb

1. supplement with leverage

- leverage the money that is already available

Definition categories: possession, supplement

2. provide with leverage

- We need to leverage this company

Definition categories: possession, furnish, provide, render, supply

Sentences with leverage as a verb:

- They plan to leverage the publicity into a good distribution agreement.

- They plan to leverage off the publicity to get a good distribution agreement.