retrenchment

USAGE SUMMARY

'retrenchment' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that means reducing expenses or cutting back on spending in order to save money. You can use the word 'retrenchment' in various contexts, such as: - The company announced a retrenchment plan in order to adjust to the current economic downturn. - Due to the retrenchment policies implemented by the government, many people lost their jobs. - The family decided to embark on a retrenchment plan to save money for their children's education. - The airline had to undergo a retrenchment process in order to stay afloat during the pandemic. - The retrenchment of the military resulted in a smaller budget for national defense. Example: After the unexpected loss of a major client, the company had to undergo a period of retrenchment to restructure their budget and operations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The most significant retrenchment programs on a per capita basis have been those of Greece.

The New York Times

This shows how adaptable public services have been so far, and, the fact that, in historic terms, that when retrenchment began they were relatively fully funded.

The Guardian

These winds are whipped up, though, not by any want of retrenchment but by an unbending adhesion to the austerity dogma.

The Guardian - Opinion

Figures published today show the coalition plans that 80% of the retrenchment in the final years will come from continued spending cuts and only a fifth from tax rises.

The Guardian

The various Republican presidential candidates who have moved from Iowa to my home state of New Hampshire for this week's primary have collectively argued for European-style retrenchment – which simply hasn't worked.

The Guardian - Opinion

The ONS said this was double the drop in the recession of the early 1990s and almost as big as the 6.4% retrenchment during the 1980-81 slump.

The Guardian - Business

The aggressive deficit-cutting of the coalition's first flush was associated with stagnation, but, as economist Jonathan Portes points out, recent retrenchment has come at a more measured pace than in Europe, and recovery has begun.

The Guardian - Opinion

The belief here is that, unlike with other cuts, no pragmatic justification is required: a hard-grafting majority are angry with a workshy minority, and want retrenchment on principle.

The Guardian - Opinion

In America, retrenchment in state budgets has pushed up tuition fees.

The Economist

He recently expressed unease about Mr Henderson's emphasis on retrenchment rather than on re-establishing GM as a driving force in the business.

The Economist

All of these factors, combined with others such as fiscal retrenchment and cash hoarding by companies, have had the effect of forcing interest rates downward.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "retrenchment", specify the area being reduced or curtailed for clarity. For instance, instead of just stating "the company is undergoing retrenchment", specify "the company is undergoing retrenchment in its marketing department".

Common error

Avoid using "retrenchment" as a synonym for any kind of change. It specifically implies a reduction or curtailment. If the situation involves expansion or restructuring, a different term would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "retrenchment" is that of a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a process or action of reducing or curtailing something, particularly in financial or organizational contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its noun status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retrenchment" is a noun denoting the act of reducing or curtailing expenses or operations, frequently used in business and governmental contexts. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. While often associated with negative outcomes like job losses, it represents a strategic approach to financial stability. Related terms include "cost reduction", "downsizing", and "spending cuts". When using "retrenchment", be specific about what is being reduced. The term appears most frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cost reduction

Focuses specifically on lowering expenses, a key component of retrenchment.

expense reduction

Directly indicates the act of lowering expenses.

downsizing

Emphasizes the reduction in workforce size, a common outcome of retrenchment.

cutbacks

Highlights the act of reducing budgets and resources.

belt-tightening

Describes the process of reducing spending and living more frugally.

spending cuts

Specifically addresses the reduction of expenditures.

fiscal austerity

Refers to government policies aimed at reducing budget deficits through spending cuts and tax increases.

austerity measures

Refers to specific actions taken to reduce government spending and debt.

strategic withdrawal

Suggests a deliberate retreat from certain markets or activities.

streamlining operations

Focuses on improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary activities.

FAQs

How can I use "retrenchment" in a sentence?

You can use "retrenchment" to describe a reduction or curtailment, often in business or government. For example, "The company announced a period of "cost reduction" due to the economic downturn." It can also refer to a defensive work in fortifications.

What are some synonyms for "retrenchment"?

Alternatives to "retrenchment" include "downsizing", "cutbacks", "spending cuts", and "fiscal austerity", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "retrenchment" and "restructuring"?

"Retrenchment" specifically implies a reduction or curtailment, whereas "restructuring" refers to a broader reorganization that may or may not involve reductions. A company might undergo "downsizing" (retrenchment) as part of a larger "streamlining operations" (restructuring) plan.

Is "retrenchment" always negative?

While "retrenchment" often has negative connotations because it suggests reductions and potential job losses, it can also be a necessary step for an organization to ensure long-term financial stability. It's a neutral term describing a specific type of action.