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.
Middle class consumers are trading down under increasing economic pressures. Steve Dennis, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Shares of Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) traded down 8% on Monday, Aug. 25. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2025 Still, Cava isn’t seeing consumers trade down to cheaper protein options, or experiencing any other deeper business concerns, co-founder and CEO Brett Schulman said. Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025 Cleveland made the pick even after trading down in the first round to select defensive tackle Mason Graham and already selecting Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Trade down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade%20down. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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