turnaround
UK: ˈtɜːnəraʊnd | US: ˈtɜːrnəraʊnd
n. 1. The process of completing or the time taken to complete a task, especially one involving production or service.
n. 2. A sudden or significant change in a situation, often for the better.
n. 3. The act of turning in the opposite direction; reversal.
The word "turnaround" combines "turn" (from Old English tyrnan, meaning "to rotate") and "around" (from Old English on rūnan, meaning "in a circular path"). It originally described physical movement (e.g., turning a vehicle around) but evolved metaphorically to denote time efficiency (e.g., project completion) or situational reversals (e.g., financial recovery). The morphemes retain their literal spatial logic while extending to abstract contexts.
The factory improved its turnaround time for orders.
The company's financial turnaround surprised investors.
The pilot executed a quick turnaround on the narrow runway.
Her career took a dramatic turnaround after the successful project.
We need a faster turnaround for customer complaints.