noun
lump sum
LUMP SUM
Lump sum (noun) means a single payment of the whole amount at once, rather than a series of smaller instalments. Example: “She took her pension as a lump sum instead of a monthly income.”
noun
1
A single payment of the whole amount at once, rather than a series of smaller instalments.
"She took her pension as a lump sum instead of a monthly income."
"The builder wants half the lump sum up front."
adjective
1
Paid or charged as one total amount, with no breakdown into separate items.
"They quoted a lump-sum price for the whole refurbishment."
How to use lump sum
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAll the money paid in one go instead of bit by bit.
When to use it
Neutral; standard in finance, employment and construction contracts.
Memory tip
The plural is "lump sums".
Easily confused with
Common pairings
tax-free lump sum
lump-sum payment
take a lump sum
lump-sum contract
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She took her pension as a _____ instead of a monthly income.
Synonyms
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one-off payment
single payment
fixed-price
all-in
Antonyms
instalments
annuity
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a lump sum and an annuity?
A lump sum hands you the entire amount at once, leaving you responsible for investing or budgeting it. An annuity converts the money into a guaranteed income paid at regular intervals, usually for life. The lump sum offers control and flexibility; the annuity offers certainty.
Is a lump sum taxed differently?
It often is, because receiving a large amount in a single tax year can push you into a higher band. Many pension and redundancy schemes allow a portion to be taken tax-free, with rules varying by country — worth checking with a qualified adviser before deciding.
Is lump sum hyphenated?
As a noun it is two separate words: "he received a lump sum". Hyphenate it when it modifies a noun: "a lump-sum payment".
What is the meaning of lump sum?
"lump sum" (noun) means a single payment of the whole amount at once, rather than a series of smaller instalments.
