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

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

Hackman Capital’s plan to recoup its investment included continuing to operate Television City as a studio for rent while adding new revenue-generating features. — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

Masters of the Universe, The Mandalorian and Grogu, and Disclosure Day all fell short of expectations, although the latter at least recouped its production budget. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 4 July 2026

Tensions had been building between the Crown and the colonies over the previous decade, as Britain tried to levy taxes on its colonies to recoup war debts. — James Doubek, NPR, 3 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)