refund

/ˈriːfʌnd/
nounIntermediate
💰Finance
formal

A sum of money that is returned to a person, especially when they have paid too much or when a transaction is canceled.

The company issued a refund to customers after the product recall.

The airline provided a full refund when the flight was canceled.

💡

Refunds are common in retail, travel, and service industries when a customer is dissatisfied or when an error occurs.

💼Business
formal

To return money to someone, especially because they have paid too much or because a transaction was canceled.

The store will refund your purchase if you return it within 30 days.

The bank refunded the overdraft fees after the customer complained.

💡

Refunding is a standard practice in customer service to resolve disputes or correct errors.

Collocations

refund policyA company's rules about returning money to customers.full refundA complete return of the amount paid.partial refundA return of only part of the amount paid.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

get a refundphrase
To receive money back after a purchase or payment.
refundableadjective
Able to be refunded.

💡Pro Tip

Refund vs. Reimbursement

A refund is typically a return of money paid directly to a customer, while a reimbursement is compensation for expenses incurred.

Gold Rule

Refund Conditions

Refunds are usually subject to the terms and conditions of the seller or service provider.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'refunden', from Latin 'refundere' (to pour back).

📝Usage Notes

In financial contexts, 'refund' is often used as both a noun and a verb. It is commonly associated with customer service, taxes, and online transactions.

Word Breakdown

re-
Again
prefix
+
-fund
Money
root
English Dictionary