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.
While software companies generally don’t have a lot of direct tariff exposure, the concern for the group is that belt-tightening from their customers could dampen spending on software and lead to deals taking longer to complete. Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2025 Owing in part to the company’s belt-tightening efforts, Thurston sold Outside’s Santa Fe offices. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025 Last month, Columbia’s medical school implemented a hiring freeze and other belt-tightening measures in anticipation of the cuts. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2025 Kane County has been on a belt-tightening budget for many years. Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for belt-tightening

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Belt-tightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belt-tightening. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

belt-tightening

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

More from Merriam-Webster on belt-tightening

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