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

The Irish government, majority owner of PTSB, will recoup 930.7 million euros from the sale of its 57.5% stake.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Do you think you will ever recoup the holdings you still have in China?

From The Wall Street Journal • 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

Because gas stations typically operate on thin profit margins during price spikes, they often use the wholesale dip to recoup some of their losses.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

In this way, he explained, I should pay back the College of Lucidity for the kindness shown in feeding and clothing me, and they should recoup the expense of maintaining me.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

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