restructure

American  

[ree-struhk-cher] / riˈstrʌk tʃər /

verb (used with object)

restructured, restructuring

1. to change, alter, or restore the structure of.

   to restructure a broken nose.

2. to effect a fundamental change in (as an organization or system).

3. to recombine (bits of inexpensive meats), especially by mechanical means, into simulated steaks, fillets, etc.

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verb (used without object)

restructured, restructuring

1. to restructure something.

noun

1. the act or an instance of restructuring.

restructure British  

/ riːˈstrʌktʃə /

verb

1. (tr) to organize (a system, business, society, etc) in a different way

   radical attempts to restructure the economy

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Other Word Forms

• restructurer noun
• restructuring noun

Etymology

Origin of restructure

First recorded in 1940–45; re- + structure

Explanation

When you restructure something, you organize it in a different way so it’ll work better, like a practice schedule a coach restructures to get in more morning sessions before a big game. The verb restructure often refers to a company that is changing the way it operates in order to be more efficient. In many cases, this means laying off employees, closing locations, or working with creditors to change the speed at which debt is repaid. The goal of this kind of restructuring is for the company to stay in business through a rough time in its history.

Example Sentences

CD&R, which acquired Cornerstone for roughly $5.8 billion in 2022, is aiming to restructure its debt out-of-court, the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Mudrick Capital, Vertical’s largest shareholder, agreed to restructure some existing debt and participate in the offering.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

It is the third management restructure in less than two years at Audi.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

But in an email, Garver told me she’s looked more closely at Isaacman’s restructure of Artemis and thinks he’s “off to an excellent start.”

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

Hoover wanted the new investigation to be a showcase for his bureau, which he had continued to restructure.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Related Words

• reconstruct
• reshuffle
• revamp