purchasing power

American  

noun

1. Also called buying power.  the ability to purchase goods and services.

2. the value of money in terms of what it can buy at a specified time compared to what it could buy at some period established as a base.

   the purchasing power of the dollar.

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Etymology

Origin of purchasing power

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

A sharp reduction in demand as consumers’ purchasing power plunges from higher gas prices would put downward pressure on core prices.

From MarketWatch

This is especially true given that U.S. consumers already don’t feel great after years of above-normal inflation that chipped away at their purchasing power.

From MarketWatch

Higher prices can increase inflation, negatively impact consumers’ purchasing power and slow economic growth, said Katy Kaminski, chief research strategist and portfolio manager at investment adviser AlphaSimplex.

From MarketWatch

“A sustained increase in energy prices would raise import costs, erode household purchasing power, and increase production expenses for manufacturers,” Ma said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Price remains the killer argument for refurbished phones, with second-hand models sometimes half as expensive as a factory-fresh alternative, attracting consumers who have seen purchasing power ground down by inflation.

From Barron's