loss leader
noun
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-leading
-
a word derived from
loss leader.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Tech startups with easy access to capital pursued loss-leading strategies to acquire customers, and private-equity firms went on an acquisition binge powered by cheap debt.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026
But it’s clear that the days of loss-leading streaming prices and huge paydays for talent are over.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 12, 2025
That has been a commodity, loss-leading service for the investment banks ever since the dot-com bubble burst and Wall Street agreed, in theory, to erect a wall between its analysts and dealmakers.
From BusinessWeek ● Jan. 30, 2014
Deep discounts on big-screen TVs make up many of the loss-leading, stampede-inducing “doorbuster” items you’ll find on sale this Friday.
From Slate ● Nov. 21, 2012
EDF Energy does not participate in loss-leading trading activity and considers it to be against existing market regulation.
From The Guardian ● Nov. 12, 2012
