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

"That doesn't sound that much to us, but in terms of its purchasing power, this is massive," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

“Nevertheless, its impact on households’ purchasing power will likely lead to some moderation in spending in the coming months,”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Grant has been a well-established critic of the Fed’s propensity to tolerate inflation for some time and in particular he condemns the purchasing power that has been lost since 2020, because of the Fed’s policies.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

If inflation averages 2% to 3% a year, your purchasing power erodes over time.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Their increased purchasing power afforded them summer vacations to the beach or the mountains.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson