Trade down

usgb
verb

To choose something that is cheaper or of lower quality than what you originally had or wanted.

With decrease in their income, they had to trade down their car to a cheaper model.
Visual representation of "trade down" - To choose something that is cheaper or of lower quality than what you originally had or wanted.

Often appears as...

  • trade down to
  • trade down for
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "trade down"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Economic Necessity

Used when financial constraints force buying less expensive items.

Illustration for Economic Necessity
After the budget cut, the department traded down their equipment.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Voluntary Simplification

Can also imply choosing simplicity or minimalism voluntarily.

Illustration for Voluntary Simplification
I decided to trade down my smartphone for a basic one to disconnect.
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Temporary Measure

Often a short-term solution until financial situation improves.

Illustration for Temporary Measure
We're trading down our apartment, but we plan to upgrade later.
Visual representation of the word "Trade down"

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