loss leader

American  

noun

1. a popular article that is sold at a very low price or at a loss for the purpose of attracting customers to a retail store.

---

loss leader British  

noun

1. an article offered below cost in the hope that customers attracted by it will buy other goods

---

Other Word Forms

• loss-leading
  adjective

---

Etymology

Origin of loss leader

First recorded in 1920–25

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

loss leader

The supermarkets that usually sell gasoline as a loss leader to pull in customers are also furious.

From Barron's ● Sep. 16, 2026

It leaves some customers comparing the cost to Costco’s $4.99 rotisserie, a loss leader that results in added sales by getting customers in the warehouse retailer’s door.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 2026

Personal fame was a loss leader to sell stuff.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 11, 2025

Experts told the Pepperoni team it was a loss leader; only supermarkets could turn a profit by bringing in bananas from South America.

From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2024

I just have to write the truck off as a short-term loss leader, because when it comes down to it, I’m no longer in a position to negotiate.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---