What does recoupe mean?
Recoup means to get back money, costs, or another advantage that has been lost. The verb is especially common in business, finance, law, and sports: a business may recoup losses, a person may recoup expenses, and a team may try to recoup a lead. Its implication is not merely that something is found again, but that a loss is repaired or an unfavorable position is reversed. The word has a formal tone and is often used when discussing money or significant disadvantages. Although “recover” can serve a similar purpose, “recoup” more specifically suggests making up for a definite loss.
verbTo regain or recover something lost, especially money, costs, or a former position. It can also mean to make up for a loss or disadvantage.
- To recover or regain money, costs, losses, or something of value that has been lost.
- To regain a position, advantage, or favorable condition after it has been lost or reduced.
"The company hopes to recoup some of its losses through increased sales."
"They were unable to recoup the full amount of the damage."
"The team fought hard to recoup its former lead in the second half."
Recoup comes from French and literally means “cut again,” a fitting origin for taking back what was lost.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recoupe come from?
Recoup comes from French recouper, meaning “to cut again” or “to make up for,” from re- “again” and couper “to cut.” The French verb is related to words such as coupe, coupon, and coupure, which share its cutting-related root. English adopted the word in the 16th century in the sense of retrieving or making good a loss.
Related word forms
How recoupe is actually used
Recoup is usually transitive and carries a formal or business connotation. It is particularly common when referring to recovering financial losses or expenses.
Easily confused with recoupe
Recover is the broader modern verb for regaining something lost, whereas recoup is especially used for recovering money, costs, or a lost advantage.