Payoff: meaning, definitions and examples

The word can also mean settling debts or paying off a creditor. It can have a slightly negative connotation if it refers to a bribe.

• He managed the complete payoff of his student loans within five years
• The bribery scandal involved a significant payoff to the officials

This is a general term for an amount of money that is given in exchange for something or as part of a transaction. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• She made the payment for her online purchase using a credit card
• Monthly mortgage payments can be quite high

This word is appropriate when discussing money given to someone to make up for a loss, suffering, or injury, or as payment for work or services.

• The company provided compensation for the damages caused by the faulty product
• He received compensation for the extra hours he worked

This term is typically used in legal, formal, or financial contexts, particularly when referring to the resolution of a dispute or a formal agreement involving payment.

• The lawsuit was resolved with a financial settlement
• They reached a settlement out of court to avoid further legal expenses

This repetition likely means the same as the initial mention, indicating any form of reward or settlement, and can fit a variety of both legal and illegal situations.

• There was a big payoff for all the hard work the team put in.
• They arranged for a quiet payoff to resolve the dispute.

Used specifically to describe an illegal payment meant to influence someone's actions or decisions. This word usually has a negative connotation.

• The politician was caught accepting a bribe to pass the bill.
• She refused to give a bribe to secure the contract.

This term usually describes a form of bribery where a percentage of an awarded contract or profit is illegally paid to someone as a reward. It has a negative connotation.

• The official was arrested for accepting kickbacks from contractors.
• She discovered that her business partner had been taking kickbacks.

Refers to money paid to keep someone silent about a sensitive or incriminating matter. This term is typically negative and implies a cover-up.

• He was given hush money to prevent him from leaking the scandal.
• The actor paid hush money to stop the media from revealing his secret.

Used when there is a literal or figurative return on investment, often implying a reward or profit. It can also be used in a negative way to refer to bribery or a corrupt payment.

• The payoff for their hard work was a successful launch.
• The scandal involved a payoff to silence the witnesses.

Used to describe achieving a goal or reaching a desired outcome. It is a general term that applies to any successful accomplishment.

• She worked hard to succeed in her career.
• Their efforts will succeed if they remain focused.

Used informally to describe a situation where things turn out well or as planned. It often implies a positive resolution or achieving an intended result.

• Don’t worry, everything will work out in the end.
• They faced many challenges, but it all worked out.

Used to describe a situation where efforts lead to noticeable outcomes or achievements. Often neutral and focused on the cause-and-effect relationship.

• The new marketing strategy will bring results in a couple of months.
• Changing the team's structure quickly brought results.