purchasing power

noun

1. Also called buying power. the ability to purchase goods and services.
2. the value of money in terms of what it can buy at a specified time compared to what it could buy at some period established as a base:

   the purchasing power of the dollar.

Word History and Origins

Origin of purchasing power¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

But EPA’s funding remained essentially flat, and inflation continued to grind down its purchasing power and capacity.

From Science Magazine

The Brookings Institution compiled an exhaustive list of ways in which studies have defined that group, including direct wealth indicators such as distance from poverty and purchasing power, as well as other markers like education level and occupation.

From Salon

Federal law makes it a felony to pay anyone to register to vote, codifying the bedrock principle that people should exercise the franchise based on their free will rather than the purchasing power of a candidate or interest group.

From Los Angeles Times

“Disposable income is not growing. People are losing purchasing power.”

From Los Angeles Times

“The real effect of that drop won’t be seen for months, so I’m hoping that will help our customers’ purchasing power, meaning hopefully more discretionary spending.”

From Los Angeles Times