Clearance: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used when referring to official permission for entry or participation, usually involving security checks or levels.

• She received clearance to visit the restricted area
• Military personnel need security clearance

Applicable when dealing with formal approval or power given to someone, often in a legal or official capacity.

• The manager has the authorization to approve expenses
• You need authorization from the board to initiate the project

Used when referring to consent or approval granted by a person or authority to do something.

• He asked for permission to leave early
• You need parental permission to go on the school trip

Use when referring to the ability to enter or use a place, system, or resource.

• He has access to the company’s database
• Employees need a keycard for building access

Use 'clearance' when referring to a significant reduction in prices to make room for new inventory, usually at the end of a season or when discontinuing products.

• The store is having a summer clearance event to make room for fall items
• Everything must go at the clearance sale!

Use 'sale' when referring to any event where items are offered at reduced prices. It is a broad term that can include discounts, markdowns, and clearance events.

• There's a big sale happening at the mall this weekend
• Don't miss our annual sale with huge savings on all items

Use 'discount' to generally indicate a lowered price for a limited time, often expressed as a percentage off the original price. Discounts can be used for various promotions, including holidays, special events, or customer loyalty programs.

• Get a 20% discount on all electronics this weekend
• Use the promo code for an additional discount at checkout

Use 'markdown' to describe a reduction in price, with emphasis on the act of lowering the price. This term is often used in retail to signify that items now have lower prices than originally set.

• The manager decided to apply a markdown to all unsold holiday merchandise
• The winter coats have been marked down to clear out the winter stock