holdback
holdback Lexical Profile
holdback Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A portion of a loan, purchase price, or contract payment that is retained until a specified condition is met or work is satisfactorily completed.
"The construction contract included a ten percent holdback until the final building inspection was approved."
Something that restrains, delays, or hinders progress; a check or impediment.
"A lack of adequate funding proved to be the main holdback to launching the research project on schedule."
A decorative hook, tie, or fixture attached to a wall to hold a curtain or drapery to the side of a window.
"She fastened the heavy velvet curtains behind brass holdbacks to let the morning sunlight into the room."
Word Nuance & Usage
The one-word compound 'holdback' is a noun (e.g., 'a financial holdback'), whereas the two-word 'hold back' functions as a phrasal verb (e.g., 'to hold back tears').