retool: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “retool” mean?
To equip or adapt (a factory, machine, or system) with new or different tools, machinery, or equipment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To equip or adapt (a factory, machine, or system) with new or different tools, machinery, or equipment.
To reorganise, revise, or adapt something (e.g., skills, strategies, or organisations) fundamentally in order to make it more effective or suitable for a new purpose.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic or usage difference. The word is equally comprehensible and used in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more common in American business/industry journalism, but well-established in British English.
Frequency
Low-frequency in everyday conversation but standard in business, industry, and educational contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “retool” in a Sentence
[VN] (transitive)[VN] to-infinitive (e.g., retool the factory to produce electric cars)[V] (intransitive, less common)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “retool” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The manufacturer will retool its Midlands plant next quarter.
- Workers may need to retool their skills for the digital economy.
American English
- The automaker is retooling its Detroit factory to build EVs.
- She retooled her career after the industry downturn.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- [Not standard; 'retooled' is the participial adjective: 'the retooled production line']
American English
- [Not standard; 'retooled' is the participial adjective: 'a retooled business model']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The company will retool its factories for the new product line.
Academic
The university retooled its engineering curriculum to include more AI modules.
Everyday
After being laid off, he decided to retool and train as a software developer.
Technical
The mechanic retooled the lathe with digital controls.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “retool”
- Using 'retool' for simple updates or minor changes (e.g., 'I retooled my essay' is too strong).
- Confusing with 'retrain' (specific to skills/people) or 'redesign' (specific to appearance/plans).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its core meaning is literal (factories/machines), its extended meaning is widely used for skills, careers, strategies, and systems.
'Retrain' applies specifically to people and their skills. 'Retool' is broader; it can apply to people ('retool their skills') but also to organisations, factories, and abstract systems.
Yes, though less common. E.g., 'The company is retooling for the future.' The object is implied.
It is neutral to formal. It's common in business, industry, and academic writing but would sound too strong for describing minor everyday adjustments.
To equip or adapt (a factory, machine, or system) with new or different tools, machinery, or equipment.
Retool: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈtuːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈtuːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specifically with 'retool']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TOOL box. To RE-TOOL is to get NEW tools (literally or metaphorically) to do a different job.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ORGANISATION/INDIVIDUAL IS A MACHINE (that can be fitted with new parts for a new function).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'retool' LEAST appropriate?