a one-time payout

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a one-time payout" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a single payment made to someone, typically in the context of financial transactions or compensation. Example: "The company offered a one-time payout to employees who were laid off during the restructuring process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Mr. Clancy, in his Feb. 24 letter to the board, listed some highlights: $636,628 spent on travel through 1998, $700,000 on consultants and $100,154 on a one-time payout last year to Ms. Gorshow for accrued vacation and sick pay.

The New York Times

While there was already growing pressure on corporations to increase dividends before Microsoft decided on a one-time payout of $32 billion, investors should not bet that companies with a lot of cash are going to increase or begin paying dividends.

The New York Times

When Metropolitan Life converts, the 12 million policyholders -- who are formally the owners of the mutual company -- are to get a one-time payout of $14 billion in accumulated profits and the opportunity for gains on the shares they receive.

The New York Times

The termination prompted a one-time payout of $20.3 million.

The New York Times

The terms of settlement allow merchants more flexibility to steer customers toward lower-cost transactions, and offer a one-time payout of damages.

The New York Times

The company plans a one-time payout of at least $2 a share at that time to comply with Federal tax rules on merging Corrections into the REIT.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He also stood to get a seven-figure one-time payout in some projections.

The New York Times

Philip Green, owner of Britain's biggest clothing retailer, awarded himself a £1.2 billion ($2.1 billion) payout, the largest such one-time payout ever given to a British executive from a publicly traded company.

The New York Times

A Powerball official said most people take the one-time payout.

Huffington Post

Prizes in Canadian dollars for the Gagnant à vie game range from $4 to the grand prize — the $1 million one-time payout or the $1,000 weekly lifetime annuity.

The Washington Post

Cash out: Received $30 million one-time payout last year when Jacor Communications bought EFM Media for $80 million.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a one-time payout", clearly specify the reason and context for the payment to avoid confusion. For instance, clarify whether it's a severance package, a settlement, or a special dividend.

Common error

Avoid using "a one-time payout" when describing regular, scheduled payments. This phrase implies a single, non-recurring transaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a one-time payout" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to describe a specific instance of payment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a one-time payout" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to a singular, non-recurring payment. As Ludwig AI states, it's commonly used in news, business, and financial contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you clarify the specific reason and context of the payment to avoid any confusion. Alternative phrases such as "lump sum payment" or "single payment" can be used depending on the situation. Avoid using it to describe recurring payments. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, with a neutral to professional register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lump sum payment

Replaces the term "payout" with "payment" and emphasizes the consolidated nature of the sum.

Non-recurring payment

Formally states the non-recurring nature, useful in official or contractual contexts.

Single payment

Simplifies the phrase by omitting "one-time" and "payout", focusing on the singular nature of the payment.

One-off payment

Uses "one-off" instead of "one-time", offering a slightly more informal tone.

One-time distribution

Highlights that the distribution is only happening once.

Special dividend

Specifies that the one-time payment is a dividend, typically in finance contexts.

Bonus payment

Conveys a payment that is considered a bonus, often associated with performance or specific events.

Exceptional distribution

Indicates an unusual distribution of funds, diverging slightly from a typical payout.

Isolated disbursement

Emphasizes the solitary nature of the payment, differing in tone from a regular payout.

Terminal payment

Suggests a final payment concluding a series or agreement, which adds a sense of finality.

FAQs

What does "a one-time payout" mean?

It refers to a single payment made at one specific time, as opposed to recurring payments made over a period.

How do I use "a one-time payout" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company offered "a one-time payout" to employees affected by the restructuring."

What can I say instead of "a one-time payout"?

You can use alternatives like "lump sum payment", "single payment", or "one-off payment depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a one-time payout" and a bonus?

A ""a one-time payout"" is a generic term for a single payment, while a bonus typically implies an additional payment as a reward or incentive.