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.
Nearly three in five of those surveyed are planning to trade down, or do more shopping at discount stores, over the holidays. Greg McKenna, Fortune, 3 Dec. 2024 But the top three were simply unattainable — as the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders and New England Patriots refused to trade down and miss out on Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye. Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024 Middle-income and upper middle-income Americans are also not being forced to trade down to dollar stores as the job market has stayed relatively strong in 2024. Ryan Baker, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2024 Also, households are shopping strategically, trading down if necessary while focusing on deep value retailers. David Moin, WWD, 15 Oct. 2024 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

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 22 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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