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.
Shares are trading down premarket. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025 The company’s stock was trading down another 2% on Wednesday. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025 That fact suggests that consumers who are 25- to 34-years old may be cooking at home or packing their lunches, rather than trading down to fast food. Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 4 Nov. 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 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 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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