turnaround

American  

[turn-uh-round] / ˈtɜrn əˌraʊnd /

noun

1. the total time consumed in the round trip of a ship, aircraft, vehicle, etc.

2. turnabout.

3. change of allegiance, opinion, mood, policy, etc.

4. a place or area having sufficient room for a vehicle to turn around.

5. the time required between receiving and finishing or processing work or materials.

6. Commerce.

   1. a reversal, as in business sales, especially from loss to profit.

   2. the time between the making of an investment and receiving a return.

7. Aviation. the elapsed time between an aircraft's arrival at an airfield terminal and its departure.

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turnaround British  

/ ˈtɜːnəˌraʊnd /

noun

1. 1. the act or process in which a ship, aircraft, etc, unloads passengers and freight at the end of a trip and reloads for the next trip

   2. the time taken for this

2. the total time taken by a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle in a round trip

3. a complete reversal of a situation or set of circumstances

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Etymology

Origin of turnaround

First recorded in 1925–30; noun use of verb phrase turn around

Example Sentences

Estée Lauder’s CEO stated the company remains focused on its “Beauty Reimagined” turnaround plan and will continue to evaluate its portfolio.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

There was substantial integration and execution risk associated with a merger, given both its size and complexity and Estee Lauder’s ongoing turnaround, analysts said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

He said Target’s turnaround appeared to be working, but that it needed to “move on from triage to full-scale growth.”

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

This is a remarkable turnaround for a country that, just five years ago, appeared to be on the verge of diplomatic isolation.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

I pause in sorting out the turnaround, and I finally notice her.

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson

Related Words

• U-turn
• turnabout