26984 words

payback

7 definitions • 8 examples
1
an advantage received from something, especially the profit from a financial investment:

Examples:

The payback for reorganization should be increased productivity.
2
something bad that is done to you because of something bad that you have done previously:

Examples:

The problems she was experiencing felt like payback for her past mistakes.
3
an action that punishes someone for something bad that the person did to you; revenge:

Examples:

[ U ] They view the proposed initiative as payback to those senators who have not shown enough Republican loyalty.
4
the activity of giving money that is owed, or of getting back something for money spent:

Examples:

He'll have a 20-year payback on his investment, and the improvements should last another 20 years after that.
5
the profit received from an investment or the time that it takes to receive the same amount that was invested:

Examples:

Shareholders are awaiting a cash payback from the deal.
a payback on sth You should have a 20-year payback on your investment in solar panels.
6
an advantage that you get from something:

Examples:

payback for sth The payback for reorganization should be increased productivity.
7
a situation in which someone will have to suffer for the way that they have behaved in the past:

Examples:

The union has been treated very badly, and now it's payback time, and strike action will go ahead.

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