leveraged
UK: ˈliːvərɪdʒd | US: ˈlɛvərɪdʒd
vt. 1. To use borrowed capital or resources to increase the potential return of an investment.
vt. 2. To utilize something to maximum advantage, often with strategic influence.
adj. 3. Describing a financial position or asset acquired with borrowed funds.
The word "leveraged" stems from the Old French levier (to lift), rooted in Latin levare (to raise). The suffix -age denotes a related action or result, while -ed marks it as a past participle or adjective. Originally tied to physical leverage (using a lever), it evolved metaphorically in finance to describe amplifying returns through debt—mirroring the mechanical advantage of a lever.
The company leveraged its assets to secure a loan for expansion.
She leveraged her network to land a new job.
Highly leveraged investments carry greater risk.
The startup leveraged technology to disrupt the market.
Critics argue that over-leveraged economies are vulnerable to crashes.