elite clientele

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elite clientele" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to a select group of high-status or wealthy customers. For example, "The luxury hotel caters to an elite clientele seeking exclusive experiences." Alternative expressions include "exclusive clientele" and "high-end customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Still, for the most part, customers for private jets remain an elite clientele.

The New York Times

Paradoxically, as craftsmanship has waned, consumer appetite has grown — and not just among luxury's original, elite clientele.

The New York Times - Books

At the start of the Choson era buncheong was the luxury ware favored by an elite clientele.

The New York Times - Arts

Herbst was adamantly opposed to unique Art Deco pieces done in luxury materials for an elite clientele.

The New York Times - Arts

But what most riled Kearney partners were Mr. Brown's attempts to make them push E.D.S. products to their elite clientele.

The New York Times

The elite clientele and the increasing focus on development issues evoke the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The venue is exclusive, the clientele elite and the networking first-class.

The Guardian - Opinion

Orjwan, a raucous bar favoured by Ramallah's moneyed elite had more clientele than PA-sponsored rallies in some Palestinian cities.

The Economist

Our role is simply to represent the social majority, the masses hit by a financial governance model designed to favour the financial elites and their clientele.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her work is now custom-tailored, her clientele is elite.

The New Yorker

AS the president of an internationally known antique Oriental carpet company, my clientele is elite and sometimes too busy to choose their carpets at my stores.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elite clientele" to describe a group that possesses significant social influence, extreme wealth or specialized status. It is particularly effective in luxury marketing, high-end journalism and when discussing niche services like private banking or couture fashion.

Common error

Avoid using "elite clientele" to refer to a single person. "Clientele" is a collective noun that represents a body of customers. If you are referring to one individual, use the phrase "elite client" instead.

Linguistic Context

As a noun phrase, "elite clientele" typically functions as the direct object of verbs related to business or service (e.g. "catering to", "attracting", "serving"). The adjective "elite" serves as a descriptor for the collective noun "clientele", indicating a specific demographic quality. Ludwig AI examples confirm its role in defining a business's target market.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Reference

5%

Less common in

Social Media

3%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elite clientele" is a robust and widely accepted term in modern English for describing a high-status group of patrons. Ludwig AI demonstrates that it is a favorite in top-tier journalism to denote wealth and social standing. It is a "correct" and highly effective phrase when you need to specify that a service or product is tailored for the upper echelons of society. Writers should favor it for its professional tone and clear, descriptive power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusive clientele

Shifts focus from the status of the people to the limited access of the service.

upscale clientele

Often used in retail and hospitality to denote a wealthy demographic.

high-end customers

A more commercial and direct term often used in business contexts.

prestigious clientele

Emphasizes the reputation and honor associated with the clients.

affluent customer base

Focuses specifically on the economic power and wealth of the group.

select client base

Suggests a curated or carefully chosen group of people.

distinguished patrons

A more formal and slightly old-fashioned way to describe high-status supporters.

top-tier clients

Uses a hierarchical metaphor common in corporate and professional services.

well-heeled clientele

An idiomatic and slightly more informal way to refer to wealthy customers.

privileged customers

Highlights the social advantages or special rights of the group.

FAQs

What does "elite clientele" mean?

The phrase refers to a group of customers or clients who are considered superior in terms of wealth, social status or influence. It is often used by Ludwig AI to describe the target audience of luxury brands.

How to use "elite clientele" in a sentence?

You can use it as the object of a verb, such as: "The new boutique hotel was designed specifically to attract an "elite clientele"."

What is the difference between "elite clientele" and "exclusive clientele"?

While highly similar, "elite clientele" focuses on the high social standing of the people themselves, whereas "exclusive clientele" suggests that the business itself limits who can access its services.

What can I say instead of "elite clientele"?

Depending on your tone, you can use "high-end customers", "affluent clientele" or "prestigious patrons".