purchasing power

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of purchasing power¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

"Over the past 10 years, the purchasing power of journalists' salaries has been eroded by inflation -- by almost 20 percent," the National Federation of Italian Press said in a statement, citing figures from the national statistics institute.

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As they are with food, cars and airfares, more affluent shoppers continue to flex their purchasing power, while lower-income Americans show signs of pulling back.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Executives said they have made progress with young women—a group that brings with it a lot of purchasing power and loyalty—after launching a product line this year with actress Zendaya.

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The common enemy of the people is here: the sharp rise in food prices and the lack of purchasing power.

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In terms of drivers, they expect the data to show government spending, rural consumption, better real purchasing power due to weak inflation, and exports frontloading supported growth further.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal