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.

---

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

---

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”; 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

Families described how they had to instruct solicitors, threaten court action and, as in Jacqueline's case, hire debt collectors to recoup money owed to them.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Arsenal sources indicate they would look to recoup a minimum combined £100m for Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Smaller suppliers in particular have little recourse to recoup costs when automakers cancel a vehicle program and stop buying parts, Karol said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Either could offer a catalyst for gold to recoup some of the gains it has returned year to date.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

He is desperate for his paintings to sell—they are selling some, but many more have to sell so that Theo can recoup all the money he's laid out for Vincent over the years.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman

Related Words

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