noun

leverage

/ˈlevərɪdʒ/ · say it: LEV·uh·rij

using borrowed money to amplify potential returns

In Banking & Finance

In more detail

1. (noun) power or advantage gained by using something as a tool or strategy

2. (noun) the mechanical advantage gained by using a lever

3. (verb) to use something to gain an advantage or achieve a goal

Examples

1. The company used its reputation as leverage to negotiate better contract terms.
2. With leverage, a small force can move a heavy object.
3. She leveraged her connections to find a better job.

How to use leverage

Leverage is used in business, negotiation, and strategic contexts to describe using something as a tool or source of power. The noun emphasizes the advantage gained; the verb emphasizes the action of applying that advantage. It can also retain its technical meaning from physics (mechanical advantage from a lever), though this is less common in modern usage.

Common phrases

use leverage to
leverage a position
strategic leverage
gain leverage
political leverage
financial leverage

Synonyms

advantage · power · influence · tool · strategic advantage

Opposites

disadvantage · weakness

Word family

leveraged · leveraging · leverages

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'leverage' with 'leverage against,' though the preposition varies by context—you typically leverage a position or advantage, but leverage against an opponent.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD