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Definition of "cutback" [cutback]

  • A decrease; a curtailment: "The political effects of food cutbacks could be devastating” ( New York Times). (noun)
  • A sharp reversal of direction, as of a ball carrier in football. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "cutback" in a sentence
  • "The cutback is part of a larger push by the police to cut costs for parade control."
  • "Analysts and market participants said the drop in jet-fuel demand will add to already robust inventories, and potentially hurt refiners 'profit margins, forcing at least a short-term cutback in their oil demand."
  • "But if the cutback is severe, many firms may fail."