Job Lot - English Definition & Meaning

Daily Word β€’ Learn, play, and grow your vocabulary

Definition

A job lot is a mixed collection of items, often sold together at a reduced price because they are surplus, damaged, or discontinued. πŸ“¦ Think of it as the bargain bin at a store – you get a variety of things, but some might be less desirable than others. It's commonly used to clear out inventory quickly. Unlike buying individual items, you take the whole collection as-is. Job lots are popular in various industries, from retail to manufacturing. It's a way to offload excess goods efficiently. It's like a mystery box – you never know exactly what you'll get.

Etymology

The term "job" in this context refers to a piece of work or a task, dating back to Middle English. "Lot" signifies a quantity or collection of items. The combination "job lot" emerged in the 19th century, reflecting the practice of selling mixed items together. It highlighted the bundling of goods for quick disposal. The etymology reflects the practical need to manage excess inventory. Over time, the term became associated with discounted or clearance sales.

Related Words

Examples

  • "The store was selling a job lot of old books for a bargain price."
  • "We bought a job lot of computer parts to repair our equipment."
  • "The factory offered a job lot of fabric remnants at a discount."
  • "He purchased a job lot of tools at an auction."

Anecdote / Story

Imagine you're playing a game like Fallout, scavenging for supplies in a wasteland. A job lot is like stumbling upon a stash of mixed items – some useful, some not so much. You might find valuable ammo mixed with broken gear. Job lots in real life are similar; you get a variety of things, but you have to sort through them to find the gems. Whether you're building a settlement or repairing equipment, finding the right resources can make all the difference. Job lots offer a chance to find those valuable resources at a lower cost.

Encouragement

Think of job lots as treasure hunts! πŸ—ΊοΈ You might find some awesome deals if you're willing to dig. Keep an eye out for job lots and you might discover some hidden gems. πŸ‘

πŸš€ Ready to expand your vocabulary?

Get expertly crafted daily words delivered straight to your WhatsApp. Join thousands learning new words every day!

βœ… Daily word delivery βœ… Etymology & examples βœ… Interactive learning βœ… 100% free trial
Start Your Free Trial on WhatsApp
πŸ“± Get daily vocabulary on WhatsApp Start Free Trial