payback

American  

[pey-bak] / ˈpeɪˌbæk /

noun

1. the period of time required to recoup a capital investment.

2. the return on an investment.

   This fund yields a payback of 15 percent tax-free.

3. the act or fact of paying back; repayment.

4. something done in retaliation.

   Excluding them from her wedding was a vicious payback for years of being snubbed.

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verb phrase

1. 1. to repay or return; pay off.

      Graduates from this program are successfully paying back their student loans.

   2. to retaliate against or punish.

      She paid us back by refusing the invitation.

   3. to requite.

Etymology

Origin of payback

First recorded in 1955–60; noun use of verb phrase pay back

Example Sentences

Economists cautioned that the December reading released Tuesday would likely reflect some payback for an understated November figure.

From The Wall Street Journal

The payback could come in December with an above-average increase in inflation.

From MarketWatch

Maybe using his streaming services is my payback for that.

From MarketWatch

Maybe using his streaming services is my payback for that.

From MarketWatch

It took a wonderful catch from Smith to dismiss him – payback for when Jacks caught Smith earlier in the match.

From BBC

Related Words

• compensation
• reimbursement