skeɪl bæk
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- scale
- Particle:
- back
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "scale back" mean?
To reduce the size, scope, or extent of something
Examples
- The company scaled back its expansion plans.
- We had to scale back the budget by 20 percent.
- Several departments were asked to scale back hiring.
- They scaled back operations in overseas markets.
How to use it
Used when discussing reductions in spending or operations.
Word order
Can be separated: 'scale it back' or 'scale back the plans'.
Similar expressions
reduce
cut back
downsize
curtail
Opposites
ramp up
scale up
expand
Related phrasal verbs
Use it in a practice answer
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