recoup - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
recoup Word Meanings
- to recover something lost
- to regain financial loss
- to obtain a reimbursement
recoup Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
recoup Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/rɪˈkuːp/
US
/rɪˈkuːp/
recoup Word Etymology
(re- + coup) where 're-' means again and 'coup' means a blow or strike in French; the word evolved from a sense of regaining through effort or action. Imagine a boxer who, after being knocked down, gets up to win the match; this illustrates the idea of recovering losses and standing strong again.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Recoup means to recover something that was lost, especially money, or to regain financial losses through effort, investment, or compensation. It can describe getting back costs after a setback, such as a business recovering from a downturn, a consumer seeking a refund, or an athlete rebuilding strength after an injury, though the common focus is financial recovery. The word often appears with phrases like recoup the costs, recoup losses, or recoup from a setback. It implies an active process: you work to regain what you lost, rather than passively waiting for it to return. Use recoup when you want to emphasize paying back or recovering through applied effort.
Usage Reminders
- - Use recoup to describe financial recovery after a loss
- - It often follows 'costs', 'losses', or 'investments'
- - Common collocations: recoup the costs, recoup losses, recoup from a setback
- - Not for physical healing; use 'recover' for health scenarios
- - It has a formal, business-like tone for written English
Common Misconceptions
- Not a medical term; it does not mean healing the body.
- Implies active recovery or reimbursement, not just chance happenstance.
- Used with financial losses or costs, not usually with gains that come easily.
- Can be mistaken with 'recover' in casual speech; reserve recoup for formal financial contexts.
- May imply compensation or repayment rather than simply regaining value over time.
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, recoup often signals a deliberate effort to regain money or costs after a setback, with a business sense; learners may think it only means healing.
Learning Tips
- Compare recoup with recover to see when each is appropriate
- Create sentences with costs, losses, and investments
- Spot formal contexts like reports or contracts
- AvoidHealth contexts; use recover instead for healing
- Use collocations like recoup the costs, recoup losses
- Practice with real-life scenarios such as refunds or business gains
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'recoup'?
A.To regain something lost
B.To lose something permanently
C.To create a new plan
D.To reduce in size
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'recoup' correctly?
A.She decided to recoup her holiday plans by not booking a flight.
B.After losing his job, he tried to recoup his finances by finding a new one.
C.They will recoup all their mistakes by ignoring them.
D.The team hopes to recoup their losses by apologizing to fans.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'recoup'?
A.Neglect
B.Destroy
C.Restore
D.Complicate
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'recoup'?
A.Gain
B.Preserve
C.Lose
D.Achieve
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where the word 'recoup' would be applicable?
A.She lost her money in the stock market and worked hard to regain it through savings.
B.After the event was canceled, they were hoping to recoup their investment through ticket sales next year.
C.The company's sales decreased, but they did not bother to strategize for improvements.
D.He enjoyed the movie so much that he decided not to talk about it with his friends.
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App