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

“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

So Hormuz blocks commodity exports, Yuntianhua buys fertilizer inputs at a premium, then Beijing reduces global supply by restricting phosphate exports — and fertilizer prices go up.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 1, 2026

This resulted in most of the 12,000-strong population clustering around the coastal edges with usable space at a premium on an island that measures only 21 square kilometres.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

Backwardation occurs when futures with near-term deliveries are marketed at a premium over longer-dated contracts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026

Space inside the pressure vessels is at a premium.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

Related Words

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