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

However, this supply security comes at a premium.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026

The report concluded that “recent price gyrations notwithstanding, if there is a period when gold ought to be trading at a premium, it is now.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 15, 2026

Space was at a premium on the second stage on Sunday for Dogstar, but that's what happens when your bassist is Hollywood's Keanu Reeves.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

Trading at a premium to SpaceX might not be a good thing.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

There is also the problem that access to telescopes is always at a premium and historically measuring red shifts has been notably costly in telescope time.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

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