cutback

1 of 2

noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak 

1

: something cut back

2

: reduction

a cutback in funding

cut back

2 of 2

verb

cut back; cutting back; cuts back

transitive verb

: to shorten by cutting : prune

intransitive verb

1

: to interrupt the sequence of a plot (as of a movie) by introducing events prior to those last presented

2

: cut down

cut back on sugar

Synonyms

Verb

• bob
• clip
• crop
• cut
• dock
• lop (off)
• nip
• pare
• poll
• prune
• shave
• shear
• snip
• trim

Examples of cutback in a Sentence

Verb

we need to cut back the bushes a bit so that the house number is visible from the street

cut back the meeting so everyone could leave early for the long weekend

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The cutbacks are part of efforts to slash $500 million in annual costs. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024

Likewise, Medicaid will in all likelihood face budgetary cutbacks and efforts to erect barriers to eligibility that could downsize the program. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Verb

The ship is brand-new, with a long list of technological bells and whistles designed to cut back on waste and pollution (shore power and food waste biodigesters among them). —Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Dec. 2024

As budgets get tight, some executives are always tempted to cut back on marketing. —Megan Poinski, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1871, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

cutback

1 of 2 noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak 

: an act or instance of cutting something back

cut back

2 of 2 verb

ˈkət-ˈbak

1

a

: prune entry 2 sense 2

b

: prune entry 2 sense 2a

2

: to reduce something in amount

cut back on smoking