Sweat equity Meaning in English
expression
Definition
Sweat equity is the value created in a business or project by someone's hard work, effort, or time instead of financial investment. It often refers to people building something through their own labor, rather than just supplying money.
Usage & Nuances
Primarily used in business and entrepreneurship contexts. Common in real estate, startups, and renovation. Not a formal financial term but widely used informally. Expect collocations like 'put in sweat equity,' 'gain sweat equity,' or 'sweat equity partner.' Sometimes confused with 'equity' (ownership value); 'sweat equity' always emphasizes labor, not money.
Example Sentences
He gained sweat equity by working on the house himself.
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Many startups offer sweat equity instead of high salaries.
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She built sweat equity by spending weekends fixing up the shop.
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Instead of investing cash, they contributed sweat equity to launch the business.
natural
My share in the company is all sweat equity—hours and hours of work!
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He’s looking for friends who want to earn sweat equity in the project together.
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