payback /ˈpeɪˌbæk/

• 1. 

  N-COUNT You can use payback to refer to the profit or benefit that you obtain from something that you have spent money, time, or effort on. 收益; 收效 [美国英语]

  例：

  There is a substantial payback in terms of employee and union relations.

  就雇员和工会的关系而言有可观的收效。

• 2. 

  ADJ The payback period of a loan is the time in which you are required or allowed to pay it back. 偿付的 (时期) [ADJ n]

  例：

  The payback period can be as short as seven years.

  偿付期可以短至7年。

• 3. 

  PHRASE Payback time is when someone has to take the consequences of what they have done in the past. You can use this expression to talk about good or bad consequences. 自食 (好或坏) 结果之时 [非正式]

  例：

  This was payback time. I've proved once and for all I can become champion.

  这是回报之时。我已经一劳永逸地证明我能成为冠军。