loss leader

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. Compare leader ( def 4 ).

loss leader

noun

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

Other Words From

• loss-leading adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of loss leader¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Many successful digital businesses see content as a loss leader, designed to attract large numbers of potential customers who can be sold any number of products or services.

From Digiday

For the store, which often maintains or at least allows the box, it’s a loss leader, since you’ll likely buy something else, anyway.

From Outside Online

For guarantors, the question is whether or not … the guarantee is going to end up making the money back, or whether it’s going to be a loss leader for them.

From Digiday