Definition

A reduction in spending or expenses, often made to save money or improve financial stability.

Example

The company announced a retrenchment to cut costs and improve its financial situation.

Conversation

Have you heard about the company's retrenchment plans for next year?

Yeah, it sounds like they're going to cut a lot of expenses.

I just hope it doesn't affect our jobs too much.

Same here; I heard some departments might face the biggest retrenchment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Retrenchment is formed from "re-" (meaning back or again) and "trencher" (from Old French *trencher*, meaning to cut). The word refers to the act of cutting back or reducing expenses or resources.

Memory Tip

Think of going 'back' ('re-') to 'cut' ('trencher') something down — that's why retrenchment means cutting back.

Visually Confused Words