aftermarket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Business
Quick answer
What does “aftermarket” mean?
The market for goods, services, and parts that are available after the original sale of a product, especially vehicles or electronics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The market for goods, services, and parts that are available after the original sale of a product, especially vehicles or electronics.
The secondary market for trading financial securities after their initial issuance; also refers to the industry providing accessories, upgrades, and support for existing products.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is consistent. The term is equally established in both business and automotive contexts.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly technical in both varieties. In automotive contexts, it often implies customization or enhancement beyond the manufacturer's original specification.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the larger automotive and tech accessory markets, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “aftermarket” in a Sentence
[noun] + in + the aftermarket[verb] + on the aftermarketaftermarket + for + [product]aftermarket + [noun] (attributive use)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aftermarket” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not standard as a verb]
American English
- [Not standard as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The garage fits aftermarket exhaust systems.
- He sourced an aftermarket screen for his mobile.
American English
- She installed aftermarket speakers in her truck.
- The company sells aftermarket software upgrades.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the economic activity and revenue generated from sales of parts, accessories, and services after the initial product purchase. Common in financial reports.
Academic
Used in economics and marketing studies analysing secondary markets, product lifecycles, and consumer behaviour post-purchase.
Everyday
Most commonly heard in contexts like car repairs, phone cases, or computer upgrades. 'I bought an aftermarket charger for my laptop.'
Technical
Precise term in automotive engineering, electronics, and finance denoting the ecosystem of non-original manufacturers and service providers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aftermarket”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “aftermarket”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aftermarket”
- Using 'aftermarket' as a verb (e.g., 'I will aftermarket my car'). Incorrect.
- Confusing 'aftermarket' with 'second-hand market'. Aftermarket sells new accessories/parts, not necessarily used products.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Aftermarket' typically refers to new, non-original parts, accessories, or services. 'Second-hand' refers to used products.
Yes. In finance, it refers to the secondary market where securities are traded after their initial public offering (IPO).
It is one word: 'aftermarket'. The hyphenated form 'after-market' is outdated.
An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part, which is made by the original product's manufacturer.
The market for goods, services, and parts that are available after the original sale of a product, especially vehicles or electronics.
Aftermarket is usually formal, technical, business in register.
Aftermarket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːftəˌmɑːkɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæftərˌmɑːrkɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: AFTER you buy the car, you go to the AFTERMARKET for new wheels or a better stereo.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE ECONOMY IS AN ECOSYSTEM (the aftermarket is a secondary, supportive ecosystem that grows around the primary product species).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'aftermarket' LEAST likely to be used?