Word
aftermarket
Phoneticsaf·ter·mar·ket, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈæftɝˌmɑɹkɪt/
UK/ˈɑːftəmˌɑːkɪt/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the market for parts, accessories, and repairs that you buy after you have already purchased the original product. It is common in the car and electronics industries.
n. the secondary market for goods and services related to a primary product after its initial sale. Refers to the trade in replacement parts, maintenance, and enhancements.
Examples
“The company makes a lot of money from the car aftermarket.”
“While the initial sale of the printer was cheap, the company relies on the aftermarket for expensive ink cartridges to make a profit.”
“A robust aftermarket for vintage watch components ensures that collectors can maintain their timepieces even decades after the original manufacturer has ceased production of specific mechanical parts.”
Examples
simple
“The company makes a lot of money from the car aftermarket.”
contextual
“While the initial sale of the printer was cheap, the company relies on the aftermarket for expensive ink cartridges to make a profit.”
complex
“A robust aftermarket for vintage watch components ensures that collectors can maintain their timepieces even decades after the original manufacturer has ceased production of specific mechanical parts.”
Usage
Often used as a modifier before another noun (e.g., 'aftermarket parts').
Real-World Examples
“A 32GB stick of LPCAMM2 costs $800 from Framework’s site; one of the few available aftermarket sticks is $700.” “Anyone who has followed the aftermarket automotive performance industry for long enough can tell you just how dramatically it has changed over the past few decades.” “Thankfully, there are a handful of possibilities, including software/OTA updates, hardware/TCU replacements, aftermarket telematics and OBD devices, and smartphone apps to keep vehicles connected to the cloud.” Etymology
From after- + market.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/aftermarket