refundable
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪfˈʌndəbəl/
US
- /rɪˈfəndəbəl/
Description
- Can be returned for money
- money-back allowed
- eligible for a refund
Imagine you buy a fancy new gadget, but it doesn't work as promised. If the store says, "This item is refundable," that means you can get your money back if you return it and follow the store's rules, often within a certain time. It's like a safety net for your purchase. Not everything is refundable; concert tickets often are not, but many online purchases are. The key is whether the seller agrees to give your money back under certain conditions. You might see "fully refundable," meaning you get all your money back, or "non-refundable," which means you usually cannot get that payment back.
"Refundable" describes something that can be returned for a reimbursement of the original purchase price. It's a promise from a seller offering a level of protection to the buyer. This isn't just about physical items; it applies to services, deposits, and even tickets.
Think about booking a flight. Some airlines offer refundable fares, meaning if you cancel your trip, you can get your money back, sometimes in full and sometimes under certain rules. Others are non-refundable, offering lower prices but with no money-back option. The same goes for event tickets: often, they are sold as "all sales final" or non-refundable.
The term is crucial in contracts and agreements. A "refundable deposit" means you'll get that money back if certain conditions are met (like leaving a rental property undamaged). Understanding whether something is refundable can save you from financial loss and give you peace of mind when making a purchase. It's about having the option to "undo" a transaction if things don't work out as expected.
So, whenever you see "refundable," remember it's a signal that your money isn't necessarily gone forever—there's a pathway to get it back under specific circumstances.
Examples
- 1
Hotel booking
The hotel offers refundable rooms at a slightly higher price.
- 2
Event tickets
These concert tickets are refundable until Friday.
- 3
Rental deposit
We had to pay a refundable deposit for the rental car.
- 4
Course fee
The course fee is only refundable if you cancel before classes begin.
- 5
Application fee
The application fee isn't refundable, even if they don't accept you.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- refundableadjective