comeback

American  

[kuhm-bak] / ˈkʌmˌbæk /

noun

1. a return to a former higher rank, popularity, position, prosperity, etc..

   The ex-champion kept trying to make a comeback.

2. a clever or effective retort; rejoinder; riposte.

   That was a great comeback the comedian made to the hecklers.

3. Informal. a basis or cause of complaint.

   If you insist on buying these pointed shoes, you'll have no comeback when your toes start to hurt.

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comeback British  

/ ˈkʌmˌbæk /

noun

1. a return to a former position, status, etc

2. a return or response, esp recriminatory

3. a quick reply; retort

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verb

1. to return

2. to become fashionable again

3. to reply after a period of consideration

   I'll come back to you on that next week

4. to argue back; retort

5. (of something forgotten) to return to someone's memory

Etymology

Origin of comeback

First recorded in 1815–25; noun use of verb phrase come back

Example Sentences

Chicago’s furious comeback involved one of the less likely plays in football in recent years: actually recovering an onside kick.

From The Wall Street Journal

The bolstered business has helped spur an economic comeback in Roma and Condesa, ground zero for gentrification.

From Los Angeles Times

This month, after the storybook comeback of a 44-year-old grandfather was undone by a late-game field goal, we saw Mr. Rivers once more in tears.

From The Wall Street Journal

Alabama’s miraculous comeback against Oklahoma was case in point.

From The Wall Street Journal

Last Sunday's 3-2 comeback win over West Ham epitomised the strength of his side and the momentum they now carry.

From BBC

Related Words

• improvement
• rebound
• resurgence
• return
• revival
• victory
• winning