Definition

Noun: A reduction in the amount, quantity, or rate of something, often as a measure to save money or resources.

Usage

The noun "cutback" is used to describe an instance of reducing something, typically in an official or organizational context. It often implies a deliberate scaling down of expenditures, production, services, or staffing.

Examples

• The company announced cutbacks in its research budget due to financial pressures.
• There have been severe cutbacks in public transportation services this year.
• To improve efficiency, the manager proposed a cutback in overtime hours.

Advanced Usage

• "to make cutbacks": This is a common collocation meaning to implement reductions.
  • The university was forced to make significant cutbacks across all departments.
• "cutback in/on": Used to specify the area being reduced.
  • The cutback on foreign aid has been criticized.
  • We are seeing a cutback in consumer spending.

Variants and Related Words

• Cut back (phrasal verb): To reduce the amount of something.
  • We need to cut back on unnecessary expenses.
• Cutback (adjective, attributive): Used before a noun to describe something related to a reduction (less common).
  • The cutback measures will take effect next month.

Synonyms

• Reduction
• Decrease
• Curtailment
• Downsizing
• Retrenchment

Antonyms

• Increase
• Expansion
• Boost
• Rise

Related Phrases

• Budget cutback: A specific reduction in a budget.
  • The budget cutback affected the arts program the most.
• Spending cutback: A reduction in expenditure.
  • Government spending cutbacks are often controversial.

Noun

1. a reduction in quantity or rate