Payback: meaning, definitions and examples

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payback

[ ˈpeɪbæk ]

^{Context #1}

financial

Payback is the act of returning money that was borrowed or as a form of revenge. It is a repayment of a debt or an act of retaliation.

Synonyms

repayment, retaliation, revenge

Examples of usage

He demanded payback for the money he lent to his friend.
She sought payback against her enemy for the betrayal.
The payback for the loan is due next month.

^{Context #2}

business

In business, payback refers to the period of time it takes to recoup an investment or the return on investment. It is a measure of the profitability of an investment.

Synonyms

ROI, profitability, return on investment

Examples of usage

The payback period for the new project is estimated to be two years.
The investors were satisfied with the quick payback on their investment.

^{Context #3}

informal

To payback means to retaliate or seek revenge against someone who has wronged you. It is to get even with someone for a perceived injustice.

Synonyms

get even, retaliate, seek revenge

Examples of usage

He vowed to payback those who had betrayed him.
She decided to payback her bullies by standing up to them.

Translations

Translations of the word "payback" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reembolso

🇮🇳 वापसी

🇩🇪 Rückzahlung

🇮🇩 pengembalian

🇺🇦 відшкодування

🇵🇱 spłata

🇯🇵 払い戻し

🇫🇷 remboursement

🇪🇸 reembolso

🇹🇷 geri ödeme

🇰🇷 환불

🇸🇦 سداد

🇨🇿 vrácení peněz

🇸🇰 vrátenie peňazí

🇨🇳 退款

🇸🇮 povračilo

🇮🇸 endurgreiðsla

🇰🇿 қайтару

🇬🇪 ანაზღაურება

🇦🇿 geri ödəniş

🇲🇽 reembolso

Word origin

The word 'payback' originated in the mid-18th century, combining 'pay' and 'back'. It has evolved to encompass the concepts of repayment, revenge, and retaliation in various contexts such as finance, business, and personal relationships. The idea of payback has been ingrained in human behavior as a way to settle debts or seek retribution for perceived wrongs.