Payback: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually refers to the act of returning a favor or settling a debt. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

• John helped me move last weekend, so I owe him a payback.
• That prank he played on me was payback for what I did to him last month.

Typically used in financial contexts where someone returns money that was borrowed.

• She completed the repayment of her student loans in ten years.
• The bank offers flexible repayment options for its loans.

Implies a strong desire to harm or cause suffering to someone in response to a perceived wrong. It carries a negative emotional weight.

• She was consumed with thoughts of revenge after her best friend betrayed her.
• In the movie, the hero seeks revenge against the villain for the loss of his family.

Used in situations involving hostile actions taken in response to a perceived wrong or attack. It has a negative connotation.

• The villagers feared retaliation from the bandits after they defended their homes.
• The company faced retaliation from competitors after releasing their new product.

This term refers to the time it takes for an investment to repay its initial cost. It is often used in business and finance to measure the period required for a project's net profits to cover its initial costs.

• The payback period for the new equipment is estimated to be three years.
• We need to calculate the payback to understand when we will start seeing profits.

Commonly abbreviated as ROI, this phrase indicates the amount of return relative to the investment's cost. It is a performance measure widely used in the financial world to assess the efficiency of an investment.

• The return on investment for our marketing campaign was higher than expected.
• Before investing in new software, we should evaluate its return on investment.

This abbreviation stands for 'Return on Investment' and is commonly used in both formal and informal business discussions to save time and space. It conveys the same meaning as 'return on investment'.

• Our last project had a very high ROI, making it a worthwhile investment.
• We need to improve our ROI to stay competitive in the market.

This word describes the degree to which a business or investment yields profit or financial gain. It is used to evaluate the efficiency and financial health of a business.

• The profitability of the company has improved significantly over the last quarter.
• We need to analyze the profitability of each department to manage resources better.

Typically used when referring to seeking retribution for a wrong or harm done to someone. It can have a mild to moderately negative connotation.

• She wanted payback after he ruined her project
• His payback was swift and unexpected

Often used in more formal or serious contexts when someone responds violently or aggressively to a wrong done to them. It carries a negative connotation.

• The country decided to retaliate after the attack
• She didn't want to retaliate despite being provoked

Used in informal settings when someone wants to balance the scales after being wronged. It usually has a slight negative tone but isn't as strong as 'seek revenge'.

• He plans to get even with her for spreading rumors
• I will get even for the prank you pulled

Used when someone aims to inflict harm or punishment in return for a wrong done to them. This term has a strong, negative connotation and is used in serious situations.

• He wanted to seek revenge for the betrayal
• She spent years seeking revenge on her enemies