cut back on production

Meaning

To decrease the quantity of goods or items being manufactured or produced. This is typically done in response to falling demand, economic slowdowns, or supply chain constraints.

Examples

• Due to the drop in market demand, the factory had to cut back on production.

  Due to the drop in market demand, the factory had to cut back on production.

• We might have to cut back on production if the raw material prices keep rising.

  We might have to cut back on production if the raw material prices keep rising.

• The car manufacturer decided to cut back on production of electric vehicles temporarily.

  The car manufacturer decided to cut back on production of electric vehicles temporarily.

• Instead of laying off staff, the company chose to cut back on production during the winter.

  Instead of laying off staff, the company chose to cut back on production during the winter.

• If we cut back on production too much, we won't be able to meet future orders.

  If we cut back on production too much, we won't be able to meet future orders.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ They will cut back production next month.

  ✓ They will cut back on production next month.

  While 'cut back production' is sometimes heard, 'cut back on production' is the standard, grammatically complete phrasal verb form for reducing an ongoing activity.

• ✗ The factory has to cut down production.

  ✓ The factory has to cut back on production.

  While 'cut down on' is used for general consumption or expenses (like overheads or sugar), 'cut back on' is the idiomatic standard for systematically reducing manufacturing output or operations.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Because of the global chip shortage, the tech firm had to ___ of new smartphones.

  💡 reduce the manufacturing volume

  Show answer

  cut back on production

• When supply exceeds demand, companies usually ___ to stabilize prices.

  💡 decrease the amount of goods manufactured

  Show answer

  cut back on production