[uncountable] the ability to influence sth影响力◆Large stores use their size as leverage to lower suppliers' prices.大商店利用规模的优势来压低供应商的价格。 (Finance 金融) (especially NAmE) the relationship between the amount of money that a company owes (debt) and the value of its shares ( equity)资本与负债比率；联动比率 SYN gearing (Finance 金融) (especially NAmE) using borrowed money to buy an investment or to add to the amount invested, in order to try to increase possible profits from the investment举债经营，杠杆效应（借钱投资以提高可能的投资利润）◆The buyout provided a high return on investment and excellent leverage.这项收购带来了高额的投资回报以及相当不错的杠杆效应。 debt leverage