recoup

verb

re·​coup ri-ˈküp How to pronounce recoup (audio)
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 adjective
recoupment noun

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 Because annuities often pay advisors substantial commissions, surrender charges help discourage investors from withdrawing the money before insurers can recoup those fees. Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2023 Sanders also said the state's sunshine law made government inefficient, revealed the state's legal strategy in lawsuits and allowed attorneys to game the state through recouping legal fees in lawsuits under the 1967 law. Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2023 The engine is also supplemented by a 48-volt hybrid-assist system that recoups energy under braking, smooths out the start-stop feature, and can allow the vehicle to coast for up to 40 seconds at a time with the engine off. Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 5 Sep. 2023 Each utility is seeking to recoup the costs of building solar farms and other renewable energy projects and investment in new natural gas facilities as key drivers of the increases. Karl Ebert, Journal Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2023 Filed in 2021, Issa's suit asks the court to recoup monetary damages for medical bills, as well as funeral expenses for the unborn child. Meghann Dyke, Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2023 Italian banks recouped some of the previous day’s big losses, after Rome partially walked back plans for a windfall tax. WSJ, 9 Aug. 2023 In May, San Diego City Council members authorized legal action to recoup the unpaid rent funds and late fees. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2023 How the legislation will play out is yet to be seen, but the law provides a legal avenue for children of influencers to recoup profits from their efforts. Fortesa Latifi, Washington Post, 6 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recoup.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of recoup was in 1628

Dictionary Entries Near recoup

Cite this Entry

“Recoup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recoup. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

recoup

verb
re·​coup ri-ˈküp How to pronounce recoup (audio)
1
: to make up for : recover
recoup a loss
2
: reimburse, compensate
recoup a person for losses
recoupment noun

Legal Definition

recoup

transitive verb
re·​coup ri-ˈküp How to pronounce recoup (audio)
: recover sense 1
would recoup the overpayment from current claims paymentsCity of Cordova v. Medicaid Rate Commn., 789 P.2d 346 (1990)

More from Merriam-Webster on recoup

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