payoff

American  

[pey-awf, -of] / ˈpeɪˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

noun

1. the payment of a salary, debt, wager, etc.

2. the time at which such payment is made.

3. the consequence, outcome, or final sequence in a series of events, actions, or circumstances.

   The payoff was when they fired him.

   Synonyms:

   finale, upshot, climax

4. Informal. the climax of something, especially a story or joke.

5. a settlement or reckoning, as in retribution or reward.

6. Informal. a bribe.

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adjective

1. yielding results, especially rewarding or decisive results.

   The payoff play was the long pass into the end zone.

verb phrase

1. 1. to pay (someone) everything that is due that person, especially to do so and discharge from one's employ.

   2. to pay (a debt) in full.

   3. Informal. to bribe.

   4. to retaliate upon or punish; pay back.

   5. to result in success or failure.

      The risk paid off handsomely.

   6. Nautical. to fall off to leeward.

Etymology

Origin of payoff

First recorded in 1910–15; noun, adjective use of verb phrase pay off

Example Sentences

Duolingo’s management disclosed that the transition could weigh on financials in the near term but expressed confidence in a long-term payoff.

From MarketWatch

“Personal loans can make sense for structured debt consolidation or a short-term need with a clear payoff plan,” Um said.

From MarketWatch

The payoff for cooperating witnesses can be substantial.

From The Wall Street Journal

When time is limited, students tend to invest it where they believe it will have the greatest payoff, whether that is higher grades, better job prospects, or financial stability.

From The Wall Street Journal

“For all the focus on an overnight jobs shock, a gradual AI-related disruption is more likely, with a productivity payoff on the other side,” she said.

From Barron's

Related Words

• consequence
• outcome
• payment
• reward
• settlement