Retrench

/rɪˈtrentʃ/
verb

To cut down or reduce expenses or activities to save money.

Due to the economic crisis, the company had to retrench and lay off some employees.
Visual representation of "retrench" - To cut down or reduce expenses or activities to save money

Often appears as...

  • retrench on spending
  • retrench in staff
verb

To withdraw to a secure or fortified place.

The army had to retrench after the unexpected attack.
Visual representation of "retrench" - To withdraw to a secure or fortified place

Often appears as...

  • retrench to a safer place
  • retrench in defence

Usage tips

Formal, Neutral

verb

In gardening, to dig up and replant.

In spring, you will need to retrench the roses in the garden.
Visual representation of "retrench" - In gardening, to dig up and replant

Often appears as...

  • retrench flowers
  • retrench plants

Usage tips

Technical

verb

To cut down or reduce expenses or activities to save money.

Due to the economic crisis, the company had to retrench and lay off some employees.
Visual representation of "retrench" - To cut down or reduce expenses or activities to save money

Often appears as...

  • retrench on spending
  • retrench in staff
verb

To withdraw to a secure or fortified place.

The army had to retrench after the unexpected attack.
Visual representation of "retrench" - To withdraw to a secure or fortified place

Often appears as...

  • retrench to a safer place
  • retrench in defence

Usage tips

Formal, Neutral

verb

In gardening, to dig up and replant.

In spring, you will need to retrench the roses in the garden.
Visual representation of "retrench" - In gardening, to dig up and replant

Often appears as...

  • retrench flowers
  • retrench plants

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "retrench"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Business Troubles

Often used to describe companies in financial difficulty scaling back operations.

Illustration for Business Troubles
The startup had to retrench after running out of investment capital.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Always Negative

Retrenching can be strategic, allowing for refocusing rather than only signifying loss.

Illustration for Not Always Negative
Our business will retrench to core activities to improve efficiency.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Job Specific

Retrench doesn't only apply to staff cuts; it can be about any resource or expense.

Illustration for Not Job Specific
The magazine retrenched its overseas editions to cut costs.
Visual representation of the word "Retrench"

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