# restructuring

/ɹiˈstɹəktʃɝɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹɪstɹˈʌktʃəɹɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/restructuring
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. organizational change

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

a big change in how a company or group is organized.

For teachers: the act of reorganizing the internal structure of an entity, typically involving changes in hierarchy, departments, or personnel.

- The company announced a major restructuring that will merge three departments into one.
- Following the merger, the board initiated a comprehensive restructuring to eliminate redundant roles and streamline the decision-making process.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process.

Teaching tip: In business contexts, this is often a euphemism for job cuts or layoffs.

### 2. financial debt change

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

changing the terms of a debt or loan to make it easier to pay back.

For teachers: the process of modifying the terms of debt obligations to improve liquidity or avoid default.

- The bank agreed to a debt restructuring to help the small business stay open.
- The sovereign debt restructuring required intense negotiations with international creditors to extend the repayment period and reduce interest rates.

Usage: Frequently appears in the phrase 'debt restructuring'.

## Examples

- The company is going through a major restructuring this year.
- After the merger, the board announced a massive restructuring to eliminate duplicate roles across the two firms.
- The proposed corporate restructuring involves spinning off the underperforming retail division to focus resources on high-growth technology sectors.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.