cutback

1 of 2

noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak 

1

: something cut back

2

: reduction

a cutback in funding

cut back

2 of 2

verb

cut back; cutting back; cuts back

transitive verb

: to shorten by cutting : prune

intransitive verb

1

: to interrupt the sequence of a plot (as of a movie) by introducing events prior to those last presented

2

: cut down

cut back on sugar

Synonyms of cutback

Verb

• shave
• cut
• clip
• trim
• lop (off)

Examples of cutback in a Sentence

Verb

we need to cut back the bushes a bit so that the house number is visible from the street

cut back the meeting so everyone could leave early for the long weekend

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The layoffs come as FedEx has been making cutbacks elsewhere amid a wider network adjustment that expects to see the company close 30 percent of its package distribution facilities within two years. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 3 Dec. 2025

The higher rate is largely explained by lower employment in the entertainment industry, cutbacks in big tech, reductions in durable goods manufacturing jobs and other factors. —David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 3 Dec. 2025

Verb

In many cases, organizations receive discounts off of list prices, but Microsoft has cut back on direct volume deals for some types of customers. —Jordan Novet, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025

Gu has cut back on the number of sponsorship deals but is earning more than ever. —Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 3 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for cutback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

cutback

1 of 2 noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak 

: an act or instance of cutting something back

cut back

2 of 2 verb

ˈkət-ˈbak

1

a

: prune entry 2 sense 2

b

: prune entry 2 sense 2a

2

: to reduce something in amount

cut back on smoking