Phrase guide

scale back

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To make a reduction in the amount, extent, etc. of something.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I scaled back my hours to be with the kids more.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: scale down

Antonyms: scale up, scale out

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 減少 /减少 (jiǎnshǎo) — make a reduction
  • Polish: redukować — make a reduction
  • Polish: zredukować — make a reduction
  • Russian: сократи́ть (sokratítʹ) — make a reduction