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

See Examples For:

purchasing power

While it can strengthen the competitiveness of Japanese exporters, "the downside -- declining purchasing power weighing on consumption and investment -- is not sufficiently understood", warned Nakao.

From Barron's ● Sep. 16, 2026

When they rise substantially, it means money is genuinely becoming more expensive to borrow for U.S. consumers and businesses in terms of actual purchasing power.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026

The rial has plunged to record lows, reaching around 2.2 million to the US dollar in recent days, while year-on-year inflation hit 89 percent for the Iranian month ending August 22, sharply eroding purchasing power.

From Barron's ● Sep. 8, 2026

Shein previously told the BBC that the impact of legislation targeting ultra-fast fashion would "worsen the purchasing power of French consumers, at a time when they are already feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis".

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

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

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson