recoup

verb

re·​coup ri-ˈküp 

recouped; recouping; recoups

transitive verb

1

a

: to get an equivalent for (losses) : make up for

b

: reimburse, compensate

recoup a person for losses

2

: regain

an attempt to recoup his fortune

intransitive verb

: to make good or make up for something lost

also : recuperate

recoupable

ri-ˈkü-pə-bəl 

adjective

recoupment

ri-ˈküp-mənt 

noun

Synonyms of recoup

• recapture
• regain
• retrieve
• recover
• reclaim

Examples of recoup in a Sentence

It will be hard for us to recoup the loss.

Movie studios can turn to video sales to recoup the costs of a movie that does poorly at the box office.

She recouped only a portion of her investment.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nolan’s movie cost Universal a budget of $250 million, and this is an enormous start toward recouping that and much more. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 20 July 2026

Even in this shorter period, companies can easily recoup their research and development (R&D) costs and still make significant profits. — Eric Khant, Sun Sentinel, 19 July 2026

Some real-estate experts contend, however, that institutions shelling out millions to underwrite a property are already dead set on recouping their investments. — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 19 July 2026

Even if the Sky front office changes course, moving Diggins would be a massive undertaking — and unlikely to recoup the assets necessary to salvage the 2026 season or take major strides in 2027. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

French recouper to cut back, from Old French, from re- + couper to cut — more at cope entry 1

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for recoup

• newsgroup
• regroup
• subgroup
• workgroup
• coop
• coupe
• croup
• droop
• drupe
• dupe
• group
• hoop

Kids Definition

recoup

verb

re·​coup ri-ˈküp 

1

: to make up for : recover

recoup a loss

2

: reimburse, compensate

recoup a person for losses

recoupment

-ˈküp-mənt 

noun

Legal Definition

recoup

transitive verb

re·​coup ri-ˈküp 

: recover sense 1

would recoup the overpayment from current claims payments

—City of Cordova v. Medicaid Rate Commn., 789 P.2d 346 (1990)