# bailout

/ˈbeɪˌɫaʊt/ (US) · /bˈeɪlaʊt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bailout
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a large amount of money given to a company or country to save it from failing. It is usually provided by a government when a business has serious financial problems.

For teachers: the provision of financial assistance to a business or economy facing potential bankruptcy or collapse. Often involves government intervention to prevent systemic economic damage.

## Examples

- The government agreed to a massive bailout for the national airline.
- During the financial crisis, several major banks required a bailout to prevent the entire credit market from freezing up.
- Economists often debate the ethics of a corporate bailout, weighing the necessity of market stability against the moral hazard of rewarding risky financial behavior with public funds.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verb 'to receive' or 'to provide'.

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