belt-tightening

noun

belt-tight·​en·​ing ˈbelt-ˌtī-tᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce belt-tightening (audio)
-ˌtīt-niŋ
Synonyms of belt-tighteningnext
: a reduction in spending

Examples of belt-tightening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The idea of shooting a tester episode before committing to paying for an entire season is back in vogue during these belt-tightening times. Joe Otterson, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026 Opponents argue the policy is shrinking the city’s restaurant workforce by forcing belt-tightening and putting establishments out of business. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 The budget gap needed unexpected belt-tightening and spending only on the essentials. Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026 The package extended the belt-tightening path South Africa has been on since 2018, when President Cyril Ramaphosa took over a fiscally strained by ballooning budget shortfalls, rising budget shortfalls and a cascade of credit rating cuts. Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for belt-tightening

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of belt-tightening was in 1931

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Belt-tightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belt-tightening. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

belt-tightening

noun
belt-tight·​en·​ing
ˈbelt-ˌtīt-niŋ
-ᵊn-iŋ
: a reduction in spending

More from Merriam-Webster on belt-tightening

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster