returns
- 01 B1 Intermediate
products that customers bring or send back to a shop because they are not wanted or are broken.
merchandise returned by a consumer to a retailer or by a retailer to a wholesaler, typically for a refund or exchange.
Simple“The shop has a special desk for customer returns and complaints.”
In context“The logistics manager noted a significant spike in returns following the holiday season, primarily due to sizing errors in the online catalogue.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the amount of profit you get from an investment.
the gain or loss generated on an investment relative to the amount of money invested.
Simple“Investors are looking for high returns on their savings accounts.”
In context“While the initial capital requirement was substantial, the projected annual returns justified the risk for the venture capital firm.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
official forms or reports, especially about taxes or election results.
formal reports or statements of results, often in a legal, electoral, or fiscal context.
Simple“The election returns showed that the local candidate had won by a small margin.”
In context“The company was penalised for failing to submit its annual tax returns before the statutory deadline.”
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
an official list of soldiers who are healthy and ready to fight.
a formal account or report of the number of soldiers fit for duty within a specific unit.
Simple“The general checked the daily returns to see how many men were available.”
In context“The adjutant spent the evening compiling the monthly returns, accounting for every soldier currently stationed at the garrison.”
“Then the water returns, only to stop again two days later.”
“Women who invest their money get slightly higher long-term returns than men, new analysis suggests.”