turnaround
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈɜːnərˌaʊnd/
US
- /ˈtɜrnərˌaʊnd/
Description
- Improvement
- Reversal
- Recovery
- Processing time
- Change for the better
Imagine a ship slowly turning around in a tight harbor. That image captures the heart of a "turnaround." It describes a major change, usually after a period of trouble or decline. We often see this in business when a struggling company starts making money again, or in health care when a patient's condition improves. People also use it in service or work settings to talk about how quickly something is finished. A "quick turnaround" means the job is done fast. Whether it is a strong recovery or a fast result, the word points to a clear change in direction.
A "turnaround" is a strong word for a complete reversal in a situation, usually from a bad state to a better one. It suggests that something such as a company, a sports team, or even a person's health was doing poorly but has changed course. In business, a "turnaround strategy" is a plan meant to save a failing organization by changing the way it works. The word often carries the idea of effort, planning, and success after real difficulty.
The word also has an important practical meaning in phrases like "turnaround time." Here, it means the time needed to finish a task after it is received or started. For example, a "two-week turnaround on repairs" means the repairs will be completed within two weeks. In this sense, a "quick turnaround" suggests speed and efficiency.
Think of a turnaround as a hopeful change in direction. It suggests that after setbacks, things are starting to improve. It can describe a recovery from illness, a business moving from loss to profit, or a project completed faster than expected. In each case, the word signals that the situation has shifted in a better direction.
Examples
- 1
Business recovery
After two years of losses, the company finally made a turnaround under its new CEO.
- 2
Sports recovery
The team’s turnaround this season has surprised even its longtime fans.
- 3
School improvement
Her grades showed a real turnaround once she started studying every day.
- 4
Design deadline
We need a quick turnaround on this design, so please send your feedback by noon.
Pattern
quick turnaround on + task
a short time to finish it and return it
- 5
Test results
The lab usually offers a 24-hour turnaround for routine test results.
Pattern
turnaround for + task/result
the time needed to complete it
- 6
Flight operations
With only forty minutes between flights, the crew had to do a very fast turnaround.
Domain
in aviation, turnaround
getting a plane ready to leave again
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- turnaroundnounadjective
Forms
- turnaroundspluralnounadjective