at a premium

Idioms  

1. At a higher price than usual owing to scarcity; also, considered more valuable, held in high esteem. For example, Since that article came out, the firm's stock has been selling at a premium and Space is at a premium in most stores. This idiom uses premium in the sense of “bounty” or “bonus.” [Mid-1800s] Also see put a premium on.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

at a premium

A bond trading at a premium to par will have a current yield below the coupon.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026

Data centers need large amounts of power around the clock, so reliable generation is at a premium.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026

Storage space is at a premium, and outfits often end up "shoved somewhere".

From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2026

“Branded products selling at a premium above a generic alternative is completely normal in any market,” spokesperson Jim Stanley said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026

And the kind of medicine Peeta needs would have been at a premium from the beginning.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

Related Words

• costly
• extravagant
• fancy
• high
• lavish
• overpriced
• pricey
• upscale
• valuable