Reimbursable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reimbursable

[rɪɪmˈbɜːrsəbl ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

expense reports

Capable of being refunded or paid back; eligible for reimbursement.

Synonyms

compensable, refundable, repayable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reimbursable	Used when talking about expenses or costs that can be paid back by someone else, often in a business or insurance context. Are travel expenses reimbursable under our company policy? Medical treatments that are not reimbursable by insurance can be very costly.
refundable	Commonly applied to policies, tickets, or purchases to indicate that they can be returned for a refund of the amount paid. The airline ticket is not refundable after 24 hours of purchase. Can I get a refundable deposit for this rental car?
compensable	Typically used in legal or employment contexts to mean that something, such as work or injury, deserves compensation. Injuries sustained on the job are compensable under workers' compensation laws. Is overtime work considered compensable according to our employment agreement?
repayable	Used when referring to loans or debts that need to be paid back, often within a certain period. The student loan is repayable over a ten-year period. Is this grant repayable if certain conditions are not met?

Examples of usage

The hotel charges were deemed reimbursable by the company.
Only certain expenses are deemed reimbursable in the company's policy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Finance

Reimbursable expenses can include travel costs, business meals, and office supplies, depending on company policy.
Businesses often set guidelines to determine what is considered reimbursable to manage costs effectively.
Different countries have varying tax laws regarding reimbursable expenses, impacting how they are documented and taxed.

Legal

In legal contexts, contracts often specify which costs are reimbursable, defining clear boundaries for parties involved.
Disputes can arise over what qualifies as reimbursable, making it essential for organizations to establish clear policies.
Courts may be called upon to interpret reimbursement agreements, ensuring fairness between parties.

Employment

Many employers provide reimbursement for certain job-related expenses to encourage employees to perform their duties effectively.
Reimbursements can be a way to attract talent, showing companies value their employees' efforts and contributions.
Some workplaces utilize software to streamline the reimbursement process, making it easier for employees to file claims.

Cultural Perspectives

In some cultures, reimbursing social expenses is a common practice, reflecting community support and cooperation.
Corporate cultures vary in how they handle reimbursements; some are very flexible, while others have strict rules.
The notion of being reimbursed can reinforce trust between individuals in professional settings, enhancing teamwork.

Origin of 'reimbursable'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the French 'rmbourser,' meaning to repay or compensate someone.
It is comprised of 're-' meaning again, and 'imbursar,' which is based on the Latin 'imbursare,' meaning to put in a pocket.
Used widely in financial contexts, the term emerged in English around the late 19th century.

The word 'reimbursable' originates from the verb 'reimburse', which comes from the Old French word 'reimboursier', meaning 'to replace, restore'. The concept of reimbursing expenses has long been a part of financial transactions, dating back to the practices of early traders and merchants who needed to account for their expenditures. Today, 'reimbursable' is commonly used in financial and business contexts to describe expenses that can be refunded or paid back.