Cutback Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cutback

[ˈkʌtbæk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in business

A reduction in the amount or rate of something, especially money or services.

Synonyms

cut, decrease, reduction, slash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cutback	Used mainly in financial or organizational contexts to describe a reduction in spending, resources, or personnel. It often implies a response to economic challenges or a need for efficiency. The company announced a cutback in its workforce due to declining profits. Government cutbacks have affected public services significantly.
reduction	Typically used in more formal or technical contexts to describe a deliberate or planned decrease in size, number, or amount. It often implies a systematic approach. The company is focusing on the reduction of waste to promote sustainability. A reduction in crime rates has been observed in the city.
decrease	Used in both formal and informal settings to indicate a reduction in quantity, size, or rate. It is broad and can be applied to various subjects such as statistics, prices, and temperatures. There was a decrease in the number of visitors this year. Scientists observed a decrease in air pollution levels.
cut	A general term that can be used in various situations, including reducing costs, budgets, or even as a physical action. The term is versatile but can imply a negative impact if used in financial or resource contexts. The school had to cut its art program due to budget constraints. You should cut the paper along the dotted line.
slash	Informal and often dramatic, implying a significant or aggressive reduction, especially in prices or expenses. It can sometimes have a negative connotation due to its severity. During the sale, they slashed prices by up to 70%. The government decided to slash funding for the project.

Examples of usage

The company is implementing a series of cutbacks to reduce costs.
The government announced cutbacks in public spending.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in sports

A quick or sudden movement made by changing direction.

Synonyms

dodge, swerve, turn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cutback	Although this seems to be a duplicate, in this context, it emphasizes the deliberate action of reducing something, often in a structured or planned way. They introduced energy cutbacks to save on costs. The government mandated cutbacks in water usage during the drought.
turn	Use this word for a broader range of directional changes, applicable in driving, navigating through space, or even metaphorically in conversations or events. She took a left turn at the intersection. His career took an unexpected turn after the promotion.
swerve	Use this word when describing a sudden or sharp change in direction, especially in driving or moving objects. It implies an abrupt and often unplanned move. The driver had to swerve to avoid hitting the dog. The car swerved off the road and into a ditch.
dodge	This word is used when describing quick, often evasive movements to avoid something, or metaphorically, to avoid questions or responsibilities. It usually has a slightly negative connotation when referring to avoiding responsibilities. He had to dodge the oncoming car to avoid an accident. She tried to dodge the question by changing the subject.

Examples of usage

The player made a sharp cutback to avoid the defender.
Her cutback left her opponent behind.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

in gardening

To reduce the size or amount of something, especially by cutting.

Synonyms

prune, reduce, trim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cutback	Primarily used in business or government to refer to reductions in spending or resource allocation. The company announced a cutback in the marketing budget due to financial difficulties. Government cutbacks have affected public services.
prune	Often used in gardening to describe the act of trimming plants. It can also be used metaphorically in business to describe the process of removing unnecessary elements. It's important to prune your roses in early spring. The manager decided to prune the project team to increase efficiency.
trim	Commonly used to describe cutting away small parts to improve appearance, typically in a personal grooming or decorative context. Can also refer to minor reductions in budgets or resources. She decided to trim her hair before the party. The project manager trimmed the budget slightly to allocate funds for other departments.
reduce	A general term that can be used in various contexts to indicate making something smaller or less in amount, typically in a neutral or objective manner. We need to reduce our use of plastic to help the environment. The doctor advised him to reduce his calorie intake.

Examples of usage

I need to cut back the bushes in the garden.
The tree branches were cut back to allow more light.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economic Impact

During economic recessions, businesses often implement cutbacks to survive, which can lead to job losses and reduced services.
Governments may enforce cutbacks in spending to address budget deficits, affecting public services like education and healthcare.
Personal finance advice frequently includes cutbacks as a strategy to save more money, particularly during financial difficulties.

Psychology

Cutbacks can influence behavior; for instance, when people see reduced offerings, they may feel dissatisfied or discouraged.
Studies show that cutbacks in workplace resources can lead to stress and lower productivity among employees.
On a personal level, cutbacks can create a sense of loss but can also foster resilience and adaptability.

Environmental Aspects

In environmental conservation, cutbacks on plastic use and waste generation are vital for reducing pollution.
Sustainable practices often involve cutbacks in resource consumption to protect ecosystems and promote long-term health.
Efforts to cut back on carbon emissions are critical in the fight against climate change.

Cultural References

In many reality TV shows, 'cutback' moments show contestants reducing their luxuries to rely on basic skills for survival.
The concept of cutbacks is often depicted in movies portraying economic struggles, highlighting characters' responses to financial strain.
Popular self-help literature frequently discusses the idea of cutbacks as a necessary step to achieving personal goals and financial freedom.

Origin of 'cutback'

Main points about word origin

The term originated in the world of gardening, where 'cutback' was initially used to describe the practice of cutting plants to encourage new growth.
It gained popularity in the business world during the late 20th century as companies sought to minimize expenses.
The word combines 'cut' and 'back', literally meaning to 'cut something back' or reduce it.

The term 'cutback' originated in the 1920s in the context of business and finance. It was first used to describe a reduction in spending or services to save money. Over time, the term has also been adopted in sports to refer to a quick change in direction. The verb form of 'cutback' has its roots in gardening, where it is commonly used to describe trimming or reducing the size of plants. Overall, 'cutback' has evolved to encompass various meanings related to reduction and sudden movements.