payback
word
/ˈpeɪˌbæk/
PAY-bak
/pˈeɪbæk/
PAY-bak
Definition
Payback can mean getting revenge against someone or receiving a return, often in money, from an investment or loan.
Usage & Nuances
'Payback' is informal. It is often used for revenge ('sweet payback'), but also for financial returns ('payback period'). Context is important to understand which meaning is intended. Not usually used in very formal writing.
Spanish: venganza - devolución (de dinero/préstamo)Portuguese (BR): vingança - retorno (financeiro) - reembolsoPortuguese (PT): vingança - retorno (financeiro) - reembolsoChinese (Simplified): 报复 - 偿还（贷款/投资回报）Chinese (Traditional): 報復 - 償還（貸款/投資回報）Hindi: बदला - लौटाई (ऋण की/पैसे की)Arabic: انتقام - سداد (مالي/قرض)Bengali: প্রতিশোধ - বিনিময় (অর্থনৈতিক)Russian: месть - окупаемость (финансовая)Japanese: 仕返し - 回収 (投資)Vietnamese: sự trả thù - hoàn vốn (tài chính)Korean: 복수 - 투자 회수Turkish: intikam - geri dönüş (yatırım)Urdu: بدلہ - واپسی (مالیاتی)Indonesian: balas dendam - pengembalian (investasi)
Example Sentences
He finally got his payback after all these years.
basic
The company expects a quick payback on its investment.
basic
She thought the payback was unfair.
basic
Trust me, payback is coming sooner than you think.
natural
'That was some serious payback for what he did last week.'
natural
My loan has a five-year payback period.
natural