loss leader

NOUN

something sold at a loss

Synonyms

WEAK

bargain feature lead item special

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Experts told the Pepperoni team it was a loss leader; only supermarkets could turn a profit by bringing in bananas from South America.

From BBC • Oct. 2, 2024

A loss leader and a billboard food for nearly every casino on the Strip, prime rib became the perfect dish for a town branding itself as the vacationland of middle-class luxury.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 25, 2023

For deep-pocketed Amazon, the theatrical release is something of a loss leader — a way for Prime Video to compete for top talent, who want their films seen on big screens.

From New York Times • Apr. 9, 2023

Houck added that bottomless mimosas are considered a "loss leader" or "an item sold at a loss with the goal of getting diners to spend more on other items."

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2023

I just have to write the truck off as a short-term loss leader, because when it comes down to it, I’m no longer in a position to negotiate.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman