be at a premium

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العربية الفصحى
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/biː æt ə ˈpriː.mi.əm/
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To be scarce and therefore especially valuable or sought after.
Practice using be at a premium in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Quiet space is at a premium in this building.
  • Seats were at a premium for the final.
  • Free time is at a premium for new parents.
  • During the drought, clean water was at a premium.
  • Skilled workers are at a premium in the region.

Similar words

be hard to come by
be in short supply
be scarce

Meanings

Scarce and valued

scarcity
neutral
Said of a resource, opportunity or space that people want but cannot easily obtain.

Examples

  • Quiet space is at a premium in this building.
  • During the drought, clean water was at a premium.
  • Free time is at a premium for new parents.
  • Skilled workers are at a premium in the region.
  • Seats were at a premium for the final.

Similar words

be scarce
be in short supply
be hard to come by

Etymology

Premium developed from a word for an extra payment and came to imply special value.

FAQ

What does be at a premium mean?

To be scarce and therefore especially valuable or sought after.

When is be at a premium used?

Use it for time, space, water or skills that are hard to obtain.

How does be at a premium differ from be scarce?

Scarce simply means uncommon; at a premium also suggests that demand makes it valuable.

How is be at a premium used in a sentence?

Quiet space is at a premium in this building.

Is be at a premium formal?

It is a standard expression, including in formal writing.

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