sell

A2 · Elementary

v. to be bought by people in large numbers.

v. to be purchased or to find a market; often used to describe the popularity or rate of a product's sale.

“His new book is selling very well in shops across the country.”

“Despite the high price point, the limited edition sneakers sold out within minutes of their online release.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to persuade someone that an idea or plan is good.

v. to promote or persuade someone to accept a particular viewpoint, idea, or plan.

“She tried to sell the idea of a four-day work week to her boss.”

“The marketing director struggled to sell the board on the radical rebranding strategy, citing concerns over existing customer loyalty.”

C1 · Advanced Literary

v. to hurt someone who trusts you for your own gain.

v. to betray a person, country, or cause for money or personal advantage.

“The spy was caught trying to sell secrets to the enemy.”

“History remembers him as the man who sold his country for a title and a small estate in the north.”

C1 · Advanced Sports Slang

v. to make a big mistake that causes your team to lose.

v. to perform poorly or make a critical error that results in a loss for one's own team.

“I can't believe he missed that shot; he's totally selling.”

“The goalkeeper was accused of selling after he let a slow ball roll between his legs in the final minute.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Business

n. the way someone tries to persuade you to buy or accept something.

n. the act or method of promoting an idea or product; often qualified by 'hard' or 'soft'.

“The salesman used a hard sell to get us to sign the contract.”

“Convincing the residents to accept the new highway was a difficult sell for the local government.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun British English · Informal · Archaic

n. a trick or something that is not as good as you expected.

n. an imposition, cheat, or disappointment; something that is a hoax.

“We went all that way to see the show, but it was a complete sell.”

“The promised grand opening turned out to be a bit of a sell, as half the exhibits were still under construction.”