at a premium

Idioms  

1. At a higher price than usual owing to scarcity; also, considered more valuable, held in high esteem. For example, Since that article came out, the firm's stock has been selling at a premium and Space is at a premium in most stores. This idiom uses premium in the sense of “bounty” or “bonus.” [Mid-1800s] Also see put a premium on.

---

Example Sentences

The construct of volatility derivatives remains quite bullish in its outlook for stocks, though, since the term structures slope upwards and the VIX futures are trading at a premium to VIX.

From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026

Sometimes, that nostalgia gets repackaged and sold back at a premium.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

The ADRs often trade at a premium External link due to their ease of access for international investors.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

While that is down from a peak of over 30%, midcap banks had been the ones trading at a premium through the 2010s, and all the way until 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

There is also the problem that access to telescopes is always at a premium and historically measuring red shifts has been notably costly in telescope time.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

• costly
• extravagant
• fancy
• high
• lavish
• overpriced
• pricey
• upscale
• valuable