Definitions
01return to success
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a return to fame, success, or popularity after being away or unsuccessful for a long time.
n. a return to a former state of success, popularity, or professional activity after a period of absence or decline.
“The band is planning a massive comeback tour ten years after their last album.”
“After years of struggling with injuries, the tennis star made a remarkable comeback by winning the grand slam title.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02sports victory from behind
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports
n. a situation where a team or player wins a game after they were losing by a lot.
n. a victory achieved by a contestant or team that was previously trailing by a significant margin.
“The team staged an amazing comeback in the final minutes to win the game.”
“Down by three goals at halftime, the underdogs mounted a historic comeback that left the home crowd in stunned silence.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03clever reply
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal
n. a quick and clever or funny answer to a criticism or comment.
n. a quick, witty, or sharp retort made in response to a remark or criticism.
“I thought of a great comeback an hour after the argument was over.”
“She was famous for her sharp wit and always had a devastating comeback ready for any interviewer who tried to rattle her.”
Usage
Often used with the verb 'have' or 'make'.
Real-World Examples
“After his death, manager Mla Tengimfene confirmed he had been training for a comeback fight after his ban ended.” “Experts worry that the conflict in Iran and other regional dynamics are setting the stage for a Somali pirates’ comeback.” Etymology
Deverbal from come back.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/comeback
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0