comeback

American  

[kuhm-bak] / ˈkʌmˌbæk /

noun

1. a return to a former higher rank, popularity, position, prosperity, etc..

   The ex-champion kept trying to make a comeback.

2. a clever or effective retort; rejoinder; riposte.

   That was a great comeback the comedian made to the hecklers.

3. Informal. a basis or cause of complaint.

   If you insist on buying these pointed shoes, you'll have no comeback when your toes start to hurt.

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comeback British  

/ ˈkʌmˌbæk /

noun

1. a return to a former position, status, etc

2. a return or response, esp recriminatory

3. a quick reply; retort

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verb

1. to return

2. to become fashionable again

3. to reply after a period of consideration

   I'll come back to you on that next week

4. to argue back; retort

5. (of something forgotten) to return to someone's memory

Etymology

Origin of comeback

First recorded in 1815–25; noun use of verb phrase come back

Example Sentences

Nike’s comeback efforts are making more progress elsewhere.

From The Wall Street Journal

“This is complex work, and parts of it are taking longer than I’d like,” CEO Elliott Hill said of Nike’s comeback efforts on the company’s earnings call.

From MarketWatch

Woods last competed on tour in 2024 at the British Open, but the 15-time major champion had been nearing a comeback.

From The Wall Street Journal

No one doubts that the man lives in pain, yet before the crash he was attempting another comeback.

From The Wall Street Journal

Like snapback caps and vibrant neons, the splitter has made a roaring comeback.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• improvement
• rebound
• resurgence
• return
• revival
• victory
• winning