clawback: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

As a noun, it is increasingly written as one solid word, especially in American English. The hyphenated form 'claw-back' is also acceptable, particularly in British English. As a verb, it is always the phrasal verb 'to claw back' (two words).

A 'refund' is typically a voluntary or agreed return of money (e.g., for a faulty product). A 'clawback' is a forced, often contractual or legal, recovery of money that was already legitimately paid out but is now being reclaimed due to subsequent conditions or wrongdoing.

Yes, but it's rare. It can metaphorically describe regaining lost power, territory, or advantages (e.g., 'the opposition's clawback of political ground'). However, its primary and most natural use remains in financial and legal contexts.

Not inherently. For the entity losing the money, it is negative. However, from a regulatory or governance perspective, clawbacks are seen as a positive mechanism for ensuring accountability and aligning incentives, especially in corporate compensation.

The recovery or repayment of money already paid out, typically by a government or corporation.

Clawback is usually formal/technical in register.

Clawback: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɔːbak/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɔbæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.