Refundable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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refundable

[rษชหˆfสŒndษ™bษ™l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

booking

Capable of being refunded or returned.

Synonyms

reimbursable, repayable, returnable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
refundable

Used when something, typically money, can be given back to the payer under certain conditions, often after a cancellation or return.

  • The ticket is refundable if you cancel your flight within 24 hours.
  • All items are refundable within 30 days of purchase.
reimbursable

Applied when expenses can be paid back to someone, typically in a formal or business setting where an individual fronts costs that are later returned.

  • Travel expenses for the business trip are reimbursable upon submission of receipts.
  • Medical costs incurred during the project are fully reimbursable.
returnable

Commonly used for goods or items that can be taken back to a store or vendor, often if unsatisfactory.

  • The bottle is returnable for a small deposit.
  • These products are returnable within 14 days with a receipt.
repayable

Used when referring to money that must be paid back, often used in the context of loans.

  • The loan is repayable over a period of five years.
  • This debt is repayable in monthly installments.

Examples of usage

  • The hotel reservation is refundable up to 24 hours before check-in.
  • If you change your mind, the airline tickets are fully refundable.
  • The deposit for the rental car is refundable upon return.
  • I'm glad the concert tickets are refundable in case I can't make it.
  • The conference registration fee is non-refundable, but the hotel booking is refundable.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Consumer Rights

  • Many countries have laws protecting consumers, requiring businesses to offer refunds for faulty products.
  • Highlighting the concept of 'satisfaction guaranteed,' companies often market their products as refundable to build consumer trust.
  • Refund policies can differ widely between retailers, affecting customer experiences and loyalty.

Financial Literacy

  • Understanding refundable items can help consumers manage their budgets more effectively, knowing they can reclaim funds if needed.
  • This concept is also important in services like travel, where refundable tickets often cost more than non-refundable ones due to their flexibility.
  • Being aware of terms like 'partially refundable' helps individuals understand the limits of getting money back after a purchase.

Business Practices

  • Offering refundable product options is a common strategy for businesses to reduce purchase hesitation among customers.
  • E-commerce businesses often implement rigorous refund processes to enhance customer satisfaction and retention.
  • The introduction of digital receipts has streamlined the refund process, making it easier for customers to claim their money back.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, the expectation of refunds reflects a broader view of trust and fairness in consumer transactions.
  • The concept of money back guarantees is especially prevalent in retail cultures focused on customer service and satisfaction.
  • Different regions have varying norms around what constitutes a fair refundable policy, influenced by local business practices.

Origin of 'refundable'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'refundable' comes from the root word 'refund', which itself combines 're-' (again) and 'fund' (to provide money).
  • The use of 'refund' dates back to the early 15th century, evolving into its current form over time.
  • Adding the suffix '-able' indicates that a process can happen, making 'refundable' a way to say money can be given back.

The word 'refundable' originated from the verb 'refund', which comes from the Latin word 'refundere', meaning 'to pour back'. The concept of refunds has been present in trade and commerce for centuries, allowing for the return of money to customers in certain circumstances. The adjective 'refundable' gained popularity in the late 20th century with the rise of consumer rights and online transactions.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,187, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.