1 B2 neutral
To reduce the scale, size, or extent of an activity, plan, or operation.
"Due to budget constraints, the company scaled back its expansion plans for the year."
separable
scale back
B2 neutral separable transitive
To reduce the size, scope, or extent of something, often temporarily.
In plain English
To make something smaller or do less of it.
What does "scale back" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To reduce one's involvement or commitment to something.
"After the injury, he scaled back his training schedule to allow his body to recover."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move a scale back to a smaller setting — fairly transparent.
Actually means
To make something smaller or do less of it.
Usage tip
Widely used in business, politics, and news reporting. Often applies to plans, operations, production, or ambitions. Common in American and British English.
Words that pair with "scale back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
plans operations production ambitions spending involvement
How to conjugate "scale back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
scale back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scales back
he/she/it
Past simple
scaled back
yesterday
Past participle
scaled back
have + pp
-ing form
scaling back
continuous
Hear "scale back" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "scale back" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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