leverage

/ˈlɛvərɪdʒ/
verb
  1. To use something to maximum advantage, especially to gain power, influence, or profit.
    • She leveraged her experience in sales to get a better job.
    • The startup leveraged social media to reach millions of customers.
    • They leveraged their connections to secure funding for the project.
  2. To use borrowed money to increase the potential return of an investment.
    • He leveraged his savings by taking a margin loan.
    • The fund leveraged its capital to buy more assets.
    • The company decided not to leverage further to avoid risk.
  3. To apply force using a lever or similar mechanical advantage.
    • The mechanic leveraged the engine block to lift it out of the car.
    • She leveraged the rock with a stick to roll it out of the path.
    • He leveraged the heavy crate with a metal bar to slide it across the floor.
noun
  1. The mechanical advantage gained by using a lever, allowing a smaller force to move a larger weight.
    • Using a long crowbar gives you more leverage to lift the heavy rock.
    • The seesaw works because of leverage: a child can lift an adult by sitting farther from the pivot.
    • He positioned the jack carefully to get the best leverage on the car.
  2. The power or ability to influence people, events, or decisions, often gained through a position of advantage.
    • She had little leverage to demand a raise because the economy was weak.
    • The threat of a lawsuit gave them leverage to settle the dispute.
    • The company used its market share as leverage in negotiations with suppliers.
  3. The use of borrowed money to increase the potential return of an investment.
    • The investor used leverage by taking out a loan to buy more stocks.
    • High leverage can lead to big profits but also big losses.
    • The bank warned about the risks of using too much leverage in real estate.
Antonyms
What does "leverage" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean