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 Holmes used the pick to trade down in the first round, sending the 6th pick and a third-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals, who selected offensive tackle Paris Johnson, in exchange for Nos. 12, 34 and 168. Detroit Free Press, 11 Jan. 2024 China’s price-conscious shoppers are trading down amid a fragile economic recovery, delivering a boon to firms that cater to the trend while adding pressure on premium brands. Ishika Mookerjee, Fortune Asia, 28 Feb. 2024 Oracle Corp shares are currently trading down about 2.5% on the day. Dividend Channel, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 This shows that shoppers bought fewer toys but also traded down in prices to cheaper toys. Parija Kavilanz, CNN, 11 Feb. 2024 Now, if the Bears do trade down and land Harrison, don’t sweat it. The Arizona Republic, 23 Jan. 2024 Other analysts project a selection to the New England Patriots at No. 3 or even the Bears at No. 2 after a trade down with the Commanders. Elizabeth Flores, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2024 General Mills, owner of the brand, is seeing the effects of pet owners trading down for cheaper or smaller options. Jennifer Williams-Alvarez, WSJ, 12 Sep. 2023 As Russia restored order, the Russian currency recovered most of its losses, trading down 0.6% at 9:35 a.m. Harold Maass, The Week, 26 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trade down.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near trade down

Cite this Entry

“Trade down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade%20down. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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