loss leader

noun

Definition of loss leader

: something (such as merchandise) sold at a loss in order to draw customers

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Examples of loss leader in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But his program was a loss leader for Fox Business Network as major advertisers steered clear of it, likely out of fear of consumer boycotts. — Author: Stephen Battaglio, Anchorage Daily News, "Fox News cancels Lou Dobbs’ show and is expected to part ways with the pro-Trump host," 6 Feb. 2021 One issue unique to Jacqueline: Over the past four years, the restaurant has become best known for its $1 happy hour oysters, a loss leader unlikely to translate well to takeout. — Michael Russell, oregonlive, "Portland restaurants are ‘hibernating.’ What does that mean, and why are they doing it?," 16 Jan. 2021 The location in the store of the loss leader item is critical. — Washington Post, "Hints From Heloise: Beware scammers," 5 Jan. 2021 Since at least the mid-'90s, each new AC/DC studio album has functioned as a kind of loss leader meant to induce fans to buy tickets for the ultra-lucrative — and extremely enjoyable — concerts where the band muscles through all its old hits. — Mikael Wood, chicagotribune.com, "Review: The relentless rockitude of AC/DC in new ‘Power Up’," 12 Nov. 2020 Since at least the mid-’90s, each new AC/DC studio album has functioned as a kind of loss leader meant to induce fans to buy tickets for the ultra-lucrative — and extremely enjoyable — concerts where the band muscles through all its old hits. — Los Angeles Times, "Review: The relentless rockitude of AC/DC," 11 Nov. 2020 Election polling serves as a loss leader for these firms, a way for the polling organization to get some publicity. — Andrew Gelman, Wired, "An Election Forecaster Reflects: We Have Too Many Polls," 5 Nov. 2020 The Gophers may be vulnerable defensively after losing their top three tacklers, their tackles for loss leader and their starting nickel corner from 2019. — Nathan Baird, cleveland, "Nebraska and Adrian Martinez return to Ohio Stadium in need of new direction: College Football Monday Madness," 19 Oct. 2020 Under those conditions, the Bend's executive director Jeff Potts is expecting concerts at the theater — initially opened in 1929, and reopened in March following a $4.4 million renovation — will be a loss leader. — Piet Levy, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind introduces bill to help music venues, with advice from Justin Vernon," 30 July 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'loss leader.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near loss leader

Lossen rearrangement

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Last Updated

12 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Loss leader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loss%20leader. Accessed 27 Feb. 2021.

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More Definitions for loss leader

loss leader

noun

English Language Learners Definition of loss leader

business : a product that is sold for less than it is worth in order to attract customers

See the full definition for loss leader in the English Language Learners Dictionary

loss leader

noun

loss lead·er

Legal Definition of loss leader

: something (as merchandise) sold at a loss in order to draw customers

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