recoup

[ ri-koop ]

verb (used with object)

1. to get back the equivalent of:

   to recoup one's losses by a lucky investment.

   Synonyms: balance, retrieve, restore, recover

2. to regain or recover.
3. to reimburse or indemnify; pay back:

   to recoup a person for expenses.

   Synonyms: remunerate, recompense

4. Law. to withhold (a portion of something due), having some rightful claim to do so.

verb (used without object)

1. to get back an equivalent, as of something lost.
2. Law. (of a defendant in a lawsuit) to plead that one is owed, in the same matter, an amount by the plaintiff which applies against the payment of one’s own debt to the plaintiff.

noun

1. an act of recouping.

recoup

/ rɪˈkuːp /

verb

1. to regain or make good (a financial or other loss)
2. tr to reimburse or compensate (someone), as for a loss
3. law to keep back (something due), having rightful claim to do so; withhold; deduct

Derived Forms

• reˈcoupable, adjective
• reˈcoupment, noun

Other Words From

• re·coup·a·ble adjective
• re·coup·ment noun
• non·re·coup·a·ble adjective
• un·re·coup·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recoup¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French recouper “to cut back, cut again,” equivalent to re- re- ( def ) + couper “to cut”; coup ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of recoup¹

C15: from Old French recouper to cut back, from re- + couper to cut, from coper to behead; see coup ¹

Example Sentences

Families are unlikely to ever recoup the entire $1.5 billion penalty, though the company is reportedly headed to auction.

From Salon

Biden's approval rating dropping below 40% in the final months of his presidency meant Harris faced an uphill battle attempting to recoup the Democratic backing her former running mate had hemorrhaged.

From Salon

The MHCLG's estimate for costs for all the works amounted to £16.6bn and the NAO said although the government planned to recoup about £3.4bn from a new Building Safety Levy, this was not expected to be introduced until autumn 2025 at the earliest.

From BBC

With less than four years left on that arrangement, he would not stand to recoup much of the £7.5m he spent on renovating the house - another incentive not to give up his lease.

From BBC

Albuquerque is just one of many cities seeking to recoup unpaid fees from Trump's campaign stops over the last decade.

From Salon

Related Words

• compensate
• get back
• redeem
• refund
• regain
• reimburse
• repay
• win back