Restructure: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used in business or organizational settings when companies or institutions need to make significant changes to their overall structure or way of operating. It implies a complete overhaul or modification of the existing system.

• The company decided to restructure its management team to improve efficiency.
• Due to financial difficulties, the organization had to restructure its debt.

Generally used in business or administrative contexts where an organization decides to change its internal structure for better efficiency or effectiveness. It's similar to 'restructure' but can be less extensive.

• The company needs to reorganize its departments to handle the new workflow.
• After the merger, they had to reorganize the entire staff.

This term is used in informal contexts indicating that something is given a new and improved form, appearance, or function. It can be applied to a wide range of scenarios, from websites to physical spaces.

• They decided to revamp the old website to make it more user-friendly.
• The hotel is planning to revamp its rooms to attract more tourists.

This word is used when making small or moderate changes to the order or position of things. It suggests adjustment rather than a complete overhaul, and can be applied in various scenarios like organizing a room or rescheduling events.

• She decided to rearrange the furniture in her living room.
• We need to rearrange our meeting for next week.

Used in a more formal setting, particularly in politics, social systems, or institutions where systematic changes are necessary to improve or correct certain aspects. It suggests improvement by altering certain practices or policies.

• The new government plans to reform the healthcare system.
• They are working hard to reform outdated policies.

Restructure is often used in corporate settings when a business is changing the organization of its departments or operations, often to improve efficiency or reduce costs.

• The company decided to restructure its sales department to improve performance.
• After the merger, the entire team had to go through a restructure.

Reorganize is similar to ‘restructure’ but can be more broadly applied to any systematic change in structuring, including personal life, businesses, or groups.

• She needed to reorganize her schedule to make time for the new project.
• The company is planning to reorganize its management team.

Renegotiate is used when an agreement, such as a contract or deal, is being discussed again to reach new terms. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if one party feels the need arises from unfair conditions.

• We had to renegotiate our lease due to the economic downturn.
• The union decided to renegotiate their contracts for better wages.

Refinance is specific to financial contexts, particularly when a loan is being replaced with a new one at better terms.

• We decided to refinance our mortgage to take advantage of lower interest rates.
• The company refinanced its debt to reduce monthly payments.

Reconfigure is frequently used in technical or operational contexts where systems, devices, or setups need to be changed or updated.

• They had to reconfigure the network to support the new servers.
• After the upgrade, the software needs to be reconfigured.