recoup

American  

[ri-koop] / rɪˈkup /

verb (used with object)

1. to get back the equivalent of.

   to recoup one's losses by a lucky investment.

   Synonyms:

   balance, retrieve, restore, recover

2. to regain or recover.

3. to reimburse or indemnify; pay back.

   to recoup a person for expenses.

   Synonyms:

   remunerate, recompense

4. Law. to withhold (a portion of something due), having some rightful claim to do so.

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verb (used without object)

1. to get back an equivalent, as of something lost.

2. Law. (of a defendant in a lawsuit) to plead that one is owed, in the same matter, an amount by the plaintiff which applies against the payment of one’s own debt to the plaintiff.

noun

1. an act of recouping.

recoup British  

/ rɪˈkuːp /

verb

1. to regain or make good (a financial or other loss)

2. (tr) to reimburse or compensate (someone), as for a loss

3. law to keep back (something due), having rightful claim to do so; withhold; deduct

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Other Word Forms

• nonrecoupable
  adjective
• recoupable
  adjective
• recoupment
  noun
• unrecoupable
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of recoup

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French recouper “to cut back, cut again,” equivalent to re- re- ( def. ) + couper “to cut”; see coup ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

To recoup is a kind of recovery: If you lost some money but then made that amount back, you recouped your loss. When you recuperate, you get better after being sick. And when you recoup something, you get better or bounce back after a loss. Businesses that lose money try to recoup it by throwing a sale or cutting their budget. If a runner falls behind in a race but then speeds up to the front of the pack, he's recouped his lead. In some cases this word also means "to reimburse."

Example Sentences

Data from Recoup, a plastics charity, suggests that 61% of plastic bottles are recycled, 36% of plastic tubs and just 8% of plastic films.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2022

Some told me they were never coming back, waving off the chamber of commerce signs planted along the main road, “Rebuild, Recoup, Recover.”

From New York Times • Sep. 18, 2020

The UK organisation Recoup, which recycles plastics, said the imports ban would lead to stock-piling of plastic waste and a move towards incineration and landfill.

From BBC • Jan. 1, 2018

Recoup yourself with it, if aught is left, Keep it in store.

From The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Miss Sara Sampson, Philotas, Emilia Galotti, Nathan the Wise by Lessing, Gotthold Ephraim

Recoup, rē-kōōp′, v.t. to make good: to indemnify.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

Related Words

• compensate
• get back
• redeem
• refund
• regain
• reimburse
• repay
• win back