an amount of money that is kept back until someone has finished a job or paid for something, a feeling of shyness or reluctance to do something, something that prevents progress or development

Formal and Informal Expressions of holdback

In different contexts, you can replace 'holdback' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'restraint, inhibition' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'hesitation, shyness' is a commonplace synonym.

holdback: Explore its Definition & Usage

holdback Definition

1an amount of money that is kept back until someone has finished a job or paid for something
2a feeling of shyness or reluctance to do something
3something that prevents progress or development

Using holdback: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "holdback" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The company will pay a holdback of 10% until the work is completed.
Example
He had a holdback about speaking in public.
Example
The lack of funding was a major holdback for the project.

holdback Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for holdback

Antonyms for holdback

Phrases with holdback

hold back
to restrain or keep something from moving or progressing
Example
The police officer had to hold back the crowd from entering the crime scene.
hold someone back
to prevent someone from making progress or achieving their goals
Example
His lack of education held him back from getting a better job.
hold back tears
to try not to cry or show emotion
Example
She tried to hold back her tears during the sad movie.

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Summary: holdback in Brief

The term 'holdback' [ˈhəʊldbæk] refers to an amount of money kept back until a job is completed or paid for, a feeling of shyness or reluctance, or something that prevents progress. It can be used in phrases like 'hold back' or 'hold someone back,' meaning to restrain or prevent progress, and 'hold back tears,' meaning to try not to cry.