What does kickback mean?
A kickback is most commonly a payment returned to the buyer as part of a discount, although it may also mean a secret or improper payment made to someone who helps another party obtain a deal. The word often carries a suspicion of corruption because kickbacks can distort commercial decisions, although some businesses use the term more neutrally when describing commissions or rebates. The term can additionally refer to an adverse reaction that follows an action, as in a policy that provokes a kickback from the public. Its meaning therefore depends heavily on context: “offering a kickback” may describe a sales promotion, while “accepting a kickback” usually suggests an illicit arrangement. Understanding the word is useful because it describes both ordinary commercial incentives and forms of financial influence that can undermine trust and fairness.
nounA return of part of a payment to the buyer, usually as a discount or rebate. The term can also refer to a payment made to someone in return for facilitating a transaction, especially an improper or illegal payment.
- A return of part of a payment to the buyer, usually as a discount or rebate.
- A payment made to someone in return for facilitating a transaction, especially an improper or illegal one.
- An adverse reaction or consequence produced by an earlier action or event.
"The distributor offered a kickback to retailers that continued stocking the product."
"Customers received a fifty-dollar kickback on the purchase of the new model."
"The investigation revealed that an official had accepted a kickback in exchange for awarding the contract."
"The announcement met with a strong kickback from local residents."
The plural is used when referring to multiple rebates, improper payments, or adverse reactions.
"Auditors discovered several kickbacks to suppliers."
A harmless-looking kickback can mean a customer discount or a hidden bribe: context decides which meaning applies.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kickback come from?
The word was formed in the late 19th century by combining “kick” and “back,” originally conveying the return of part of a payment. It later acquired the sense of a payment made to facilitate a transaction, particularly an improper one. The expression also developed a broader sense of a reaction or consequence, paralleling compounds built on “back,” such as “backlash” and “backfire.”
Related word forms
How kickback is actually used
The word is informal and often implies that an improper payment is involved. In business contexts it can be used more neutrally for a rebate or commission, though the term frequently carries a negative connotation.
Easily confused with kickback
A kickback is money returned or paid in connection with a transaction, whereas a backlash is a reaction against a decision, event, or trend.