Recoup Meaning
/ɹɪˈkuːp/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo make back (an investment or similar).
verbTo recover from an error.
Sentence Examples
He kept on gambling, trying in vain to recoup his losses.
CEFR Practice Quiz
After losing money in the stock market, he hoped to ____ his losses through careful investing.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The company hoped to ____ its losses through increased sales in the second half of the year.
Word Origin & History
From French recouper (“cut short”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"In July British Railways installed train-operated red-and-white level crossing half-barriers of a new design at 11 places, […] The cost is given at £800 a pair, which can be readily recouped on savings in the cost of manning ordinary gated crossings."
— 1964 August, “News and Comment: New BR standard half-barrier”, in Modern Railways, page 88:
"And when it fails to recoup? Well, maybe you just haven't earned it yet, baby"
— 1987, “Paint a Vulgar Picture”, in Morrissey (lyrics), Johnny Marr (music), Strangeways, Here We Come, performed by The Smiths:
"Elizabeth had lost her venture; but if she was bold, she might recoup herself at Philip's cost."
— 1856–1870, James Anthony Froude, History of England from the Fall of Wolsey to the Death of Elizabeth, volume (please specify |volume=I to XII), London: Longmans, Green, and Co., →OCLC:
"Industry is sometimes recouped for a small price by extensive custom."
— 1887, George Campbell, 8th Duke of Argyll, Scotland as it was and as it is:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
After losing money in the stock market, he hoped to ____ his losses through careful investing.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The company hoped to ____ its losses through increased sales in the second half of the year.