trade down

verb

traded down; trading down; trades down

intransitive verb

1
: to trade something in (such as an automobile) for something less expensive or valuable of its kind
2
: to stock or purchase lower-priced items : economize

Examples of trade down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In previous Fortune coverage of inflation’s long tail, consumers’ coping tactics have included trading down brands, shrinking baskets, delaying car repairs, and leaning on credit cards. Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025 Raymond said consumers are trading down, shopping earlier, with more frequent visits to stores and online but leaving with smaller baskets each time. David Moin, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025 Tesla’s share price traded down on Tuesday following the announcement of the new cars. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025 For that reason, Quinn said, the brand has chosen not to trade down on its materials or fabrics. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trade down

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of trade down was in 1905

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trade down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade%20down. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!