What does turnaround mean?
Turnaround is a noun meaning a reversal of direction, fortune, or circumstances, most often a rapid improvement after a period of decline. In business and finance, a turnaround describes a company, industry, or economy recovering from serious weakness; in transport and logistics, it can mean the maneuver or space needed to reverse direction. The word also refers more broadly to a change in approach or a change in luck. Its common implication is positive movement, especially progress from a bad position, although the basic sense can simply denote reversal without improvement. Turnaround is useful because it captures both the idea of changing direction and, in many modern contexts, the idea of recovery. It is usually countable, as in “the company achieved a turnaround,” and appears in established combinations such as “financial turnaround,” “turnaround plan,” and “quick turnaround.”
nounA reversal of direction, fortune, or circumstances, especially a rapid improvement in the condition of a business or organization. It can also refer to the act of turning a vehicle around or to a striking performance.
- A rapid reversal from poor or declining conditions to success or recovery, especially in business, finance, or politics.
- The act of reversing direction or changing an approach, process, or method.
- The space or maneuver used to turn a vehicle around.
- A reversal in fortune, circumstances, or the direction of a situation.
- An impressive performance or successful event, especially in British informal usage.
"The new management team achieved a remarkable turnaround in the struggling company."
"The company announced a turnaround after a year of declining sales."
"The driver waited in the driveway until there was enough space to make a turnaround."
The standard plural is used for multiple reversals, recoveries, or performances.
"The company credited two successive turnarounds with its recovery."
A turnaround is the moment a losing story becomes a winning one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does turnaround come from?
Turnaround is a compound formed from the English verb “turn” and “around,” originally conveying the idea of reversing direction or returning. “Turn” entered English through Old French tourner, ultimately from Latin tornare, meaning “to turn,” while “around” developed in English from a sense meaning “on every side” or “in a circle.” The compound was established in the nineteenth century for the act of turning or reversing direction and was later extended to changes in fortunes and, especially, recoveries in business.
Related word forms
How turnaround is actually used
The word is commonly countable and is especially frequent in business, economic, and organizational contexts, where it usually implies improvement as well as reversal. In British informal English, it can also mean a successful performance or an appealing display.
Easily confused with turnaround
A turnabout is generally a complete reversal of direction or policy, whereas a turnaround often emphasizes a recovery from poor performance or a rapid change for the better.