C1nounbusiness
US/ˈlev.ər.ɪdʒ/
UK/ˈliː.vər.ɪdʒ/
the power to influence people or results, especially in a negotiation
In context
Having a second job offer gave her more leverage in salary talks.
Small suppliers have little leverage over giant supermarket chains.
The union used the threat of a strike as leverage.
Words that go with leverage
verb + noun
- use leverageLarge buyers use leverage to push prices down.
- gain leverageThe start-up gained leverage by talking to several investors at once.
noun + preposition
- leverage overOwning the only port gives the company leverage over its rivals.
adjective + noun
- political leverageThe country is using its oil as political leverage.
- economic leverageTrade deals can provide economic leverage in other disputes.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
We have many leverages in this deal.Correct: We have a lot of leverage in this deal.