Cutback: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.