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Definition of paybacks - 2 dictionary results

pay⋅back

[pey-bak]
–noun
1. the period of time required to recoup a capital investment.
2. the return on an investment: a payback of 15 percent tax-free.
3. the act or fact of paying back; repayment.
4. something done in retaliation: a really vicious payback for years of being snubbed.

Origin:
1955–60; n. use of v. phrase pay back
pay·back   (pā'bāk')   
n.  
    1. The return gained from or paid on an investment: "One problem with space ventures is that the up-front costs are enormous and the paybacks uncertain and far off at best" (Eric Gelman).
    2. The return on an investment equal to the amount invested: expect a payback within six years.
  1. A benefit gained as the result of a previous action.
  2. The act or process of paying back.
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