recoup

verb re·coup \ ri-ˈküp \

Updated on: 12 Apr 2018

Definition of recoup

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

play \ri-ˈkü-pə-bəl\ adjective

—

recoupment

play \ri-ˈküp-mənt\ noun

See recoup defined for English-language learners

See recoup defined for kids

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 of recoup from the Web

The deadline for those seeking to recoup money owed in a Proof of Claim to the bankruptcy court was March 19.

— author: naomi klouda, Anchorage Daily News, "Judge orders Northrim to turn over Rogoff’s loan documents to trustee," 6 Apr. 2018
The offices will support the secretary’s new authority to fire or demote poorly performing employees and recoup pay, benefits and awards in cases of malfeasance.

— michael collins, USA TODAY, "Massive spending bill spans thousands of pages, with programs that touch nearly every American," 22 Mar. 2018
The money is recouped by lucrative service contracts and data analytics, which used to command margins of up to 35%.

— The Economist, "The world’s three biggest engine-makers hit a snag," 22 Mar. 2018
The Colts, as noted above, did recoup a little of their investment by dealing George to Atlanta in 1994.

— matthew glenesk, Indianapolis Star, "Harrison, Sanders, George and Alberts: What happens when the Colts trade first-rounders," 18 Mar. 2018
Customers may feel helpless when a service business shutters unexpectedly, and the process of recouping money can involve a frustrating and lengthy legal fight.

— samantha bomkamp, chicagotribune.com, "A business that owes you money shuts down. Now what?," 16 Mar. 2018
Plans call for a private company to finance the project -- likely recouping its money through a toll -- and the federal money will help spark that private investment.

— lawrence specker, AL.com, "Mobile-based Xante hands out $1,200 bonus checks, citing tax cuts," 19 Feb. 2018
Much of those economic redevelopment costs has been recouped as developers move into the space, too, allowing the city to use it elsewhere.

— jane c. timm, NBC News, "Case study: Can Trump’s private investment plan really rebuild America?," 13 Feb. 2018
In assessing Foxconn’s impact on Wisconsin, people should look beyond the issue of how quickly Wisconsin will recoup the tax dollars provided to the firm, MMAC president Tim Sheehy said.

— rick romell, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Foxconn would add $51.5 billion to state economy over 15 years, business group estimates," 23 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'recoup.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.