At a premium Meaning in English
expression
ˈæt/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈpɹimiəm
AT uh PREE-mee-um
ˈæt/ /æɪ/ /pɹˈiːmiəm
AT uh PREE-mee-um
Definition
If something is 'at a premium', it means it is hard to get or highly valued because there is not enough of it.
Usage & Nuances
Primarily used in formal or business contexts. Common with words like 'space', 'time', 'resources', and 'parking'. Suggests both scarcity and increased value. Not usually used for people.
Spanish: escaso - muy valoradoPortuguese (BR): escasso - muito valorizadoPortuguese (PT): escasso - muito valorizadoChinese (Simplified): 紧缺 - 非常珍贵Chinese (Traditional): 緊缺 - 非常珍貴Hindi: बहुत क़ीमती - कम उपलब्धArabic: نادر - ذو قيمة عاليةBengali: অভাব - মূল্যবানRussian: в большом дефиците - на вес золотаJapanese: 貴重 - 手に入りにくいVietnamese: khan hiếm - rất được coi trọngKorean: 귀하다 - 부족하다Turkish: nadiren bulunur - çok değerliUrdu: نایاب - بہت قیمتیIndonesian: sangat langka - sangat dibutuhkan
Example Sentences
Parking spaces are at a premium in the city center.
basic
In this desert, water is at a premium.
basic
During exam week, quiet places to study are at a premium.
basic
After the storm, clean drinking water was at a premium.
natural
In a small apartment, storage space is always at a premium.
natural
Time is at a premium when you have to finish a big project fast.
natural