payback

noun

pay·​back ˈpā-ˌbak How to pronounce payback (audio)
1
2
: a return on an investment equal to the original capital outlay
also : the period of time elapsed before an investment is recouped

Examples of payback in a Sentence

They beat our team last year, so we've got to beat them this year as payback. we are hoping to get payback for the humiliating defeat we suffered at the hands of our rivals during our last matchup
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
All bonuses or First Bet Reset paybacks will be rewarded in bonus bets that must be used within seven (7) days of receipt. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Aim For Quick Wins Alongside an incremental approach to ambitious compliance goals, identifying and achieving quick wins can demonstrate an immediate payback. Florent Bouguin, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Butts asked to reprogram money meant for highway projects and create a payback mechanism funded through a special tax district. Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 Artificial intelligence has been blamed for stealing work from humans and causing the current global unemployment crisis—so some job seekers are getting payback by using impressive AI tech tools to try to outsmart recruiters. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for payback 

Word History

First Known Use

1718, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of payback was in 1718

Dictionary Entries Near payback

Cite this Entry

“Payback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/payback. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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