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

Other Word Forms

• recoupable adjective
• recoupment noun
• nonrecoupable adjective
• unrecoupable 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

Hearts said it had since managed to recoup the money.

From BBC

More than a third of the money clawed back related to fraudulent activity during the Covid-19 pandemic, with other cash being recouped from unlawful council tax claims and illegal subletting of social housing.

From BBC

The Golden Returns study, created by the HEA Group and College Futures Foundation, ranks California community and career colleges based on how quickly students who invest in an education recoup its cost.

From Los Angeles Times

Another worry for many will be the risk that clubs seek to recoup some of their record spending by increasing ticket prices.

From BBC

It recouped its cost last year and is the only show from the 2022-23 Broadway season that is still playing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• compensate 
• get back 
• redeem 
• refund 
• regain 
• reimburse 
• repay 
• win back www.thesaurus.com