belt-tightening

noun

belt-tight·​en·​ing ˈbelt-ˌtī-tᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce belt-tightening (audio)
-ˌtīt-niŋ
: a reduction in spending

Examples of belt-tightening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the looming threat of a debt crisis and the absence of viable new financing alternatives have encouraged some countries to take preventive belt-tightening measures. Shantayanan Devarajan, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2022 The company announced a series of belt-tightening measures and production delays on Friday, as the strike of 33,000 workers has added to Boeing’s litany of problems. Elodie Mazein, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2024 The belt-tightening plan also included the shuttering of Paramount Television Studios — which produces Prime Video’s Reacher, Apple’s Time Bandits — with shows moving to sister label CBS Studios. Erik Hayden, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Oct. 2024 Other belt-tightening measures include eliminating corporate first- and business-class travel, as well as pausing spending on outside consultants, charitable contributions, and advertising and marketing. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2024 Collectively, these banks cut over 5,000 jobs as part of belt-tightening measures, PYMNTS reported. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024 Amid a difficult stretch for L.A.’s restaurant industry, even the choice of which pizza box to use is something belt-tightening proprietors consider. Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2024 But though the industry is in a belt-tightening phase, no one is predicting the demise of the art form altogether. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2024 With the new 10% belt-tightening order, that means the administration must figure out a way to trim that price tag by about $586 million. Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of belt-tightening was in 1931

Dictionary Entries Near belt-tightening

Cite this Entry

“Belt-tightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belt-tightening. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

belt-tightening

noun
belt-tight·​en·​ing
ˈbelt-ˌtīt-niŋ,
-ᵊn-iŋ
: a reduction in spending

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