retool

IPA/ˌriːˈtuːl/
KK[ritˈul]IPA/ˌriːˈtuːl/

retool — 動詞

  • retoolpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • retoolshe / she / it
  • retooledpast simple
  • retooling-ing form

1. to change the way a system, method, or organization works so that it becomes bet

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

重整；調整

改變做事方式以提升效率或適應新需求

to change the way a system, method, or organization works so that it becomes better or fits new needs

例句

The company retooled its hiring process after complaints about bias.

該公司在收到偏袒投訴後，重整了招聘流程。

retool + noun phrase (process / system / approach)

Many schools are retooling their curriculum to include more digital literacy and coding.

許多學校正在調整課程，加入更多數位素養和程式設計的內容。

同義詞
  • revamp

    more informal; suggests giving something a fresh appearance or surface-level update

  • overhaul

    stronger; implies a thorough, top-to-bottom change rather than adjustment

  • restructure

    focuses on changing the organisation or arrangement rather than the process itself

  • reorganize

    milder; often about rearranging rather than fundamental change

反義詞
  • maintain

    to keep things as they are rather than changing them

文法句型

retool + noun phrase

be retooled + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Often used for organisations or abstract systems. More concrete replacements of physical equipment belong to sense 2 or 3.

常見錯誤

❌The chef retooled the kitchen knives.' (physical tools — use 'sharpened' or 'replaced').
✅The chef retooled the kitchen's ordering system.
💡sense 1 applies to systems and processes, not individual hand tools.

2. to supply a workplace, such as a factory or plant, with new machines or tools so

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

為…更換設備

為工廠或產線添購新機具

to supply a workplace, such as a factory or plant, with new machines or tools so that the business can operate more efficiently or produce different goods

例句

The factory was retooled with robotic arms to speed up the assembly line.

那間工廠換裝了機械手臂，以加快組裝線的速度。

passive: be retooled with [equipment]

Management decided to retool the entire plant before launching the new electric vehicle model.

管理層決定在推出新款電動車之前，先為整座工廠更換設備。

retool + plant / factory / facility

同義詞
  • re-equip

    more transparent; can apply to any kind of equipment, not just tools

  • modernize

    broader; includes updating processes, software, and facilities, not just machinery

  • refit

    often used for vehicles or ships; implies installing new parts in an existing structure

文法句型

retool + noun phrase + with + noun phrase

retool + noun phrase + for + noun phrase

用法筆記

The subject is typically a company, management, or external funder. The object is a facility or production line. Use 'with' for the new equipment installed.

常見錯誤

❌They retooled the old computers.' (individual devices — use 'upgraded' or 'replaced').
✅They retooled the assembly line with new computers.
💡sense 2 targets an entire facility or production system, not single items.

3. (of a business or production facility) to replace older machines or tools with n

3.動詞不及物C1
釋義

自行換裝

工廠自行添購新機具以求改善

(of a business or production facility) to replace older machines or tools with newer ones to stay competitive or change what is made

例句

The plant closed for six months to retool for electric vehicle battery production.

這座工廠關閉了六個月，以便更新設備來生產電動車電池。

retool for [new product / process]

Small manufacturers often struggle to retool because the machinery costs are so high.

小型製造商常常因為機械成本太高，難以更新設備。

同義詞
  • re-equip

    can be used intransitively too, though less common

  • upgrade

    more general; doesn't always involve tools or machinery

文法句型

retool + to-infinitive

retool + for + noun phrase

用法筆記

Unlike sense 2 (where someone else provides the equipment), here the factory or industry acts on its own behalf. The verb has no direct object.

常見錯誤

❌The factory retooled new machines.' (sounds like sense 2, but 'retool' is already complete without an object).
✅The factory retooled for hybrid car production.
💡sense 3 is intransitive; you say what the change is for, not what was installed.

4. to learn new abilities or gain fresh experience so that you can do a different t

4.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

轉型進修

為適應不同工作而學習新能力

to learn new abilities or gain fresh experience so that you can do a different type of work or adapt to changes in your current job

例句

After the department shut down, Kavita retooled by completing a data-analytics certificate online.

部門關閉後，Kavita 透過線上課程完成資料分析證照，學習了新技能。

retool by + verb-ing (method)

Many factory workers are retooling themselves for careers in renewable-energy installation.

許多工廠工人正在學習新技能，為轉入再生能源安裝領域做準備。

reflexive: retool oneself for [new career]

同義詞
  • retrain

    very close; 'retrain' suggests formal instruction, while 'retool' includes self-directed learning

  • re-skill

    modern term in HR; focuses on learning new competencies for a changing job market

  • upskill

    adds new skills on top of existing ones rather than completely changing direction

文法句型

retool + reflexive pronoun + for + noun phrase

retool + by + verb-ing

retool (intransitive)

用法筆記

Particularly common in American English career-development contexts. Unlike sense 1, which changes an external system, sense 4 changes the person's own capabilities. A reflexive pronoun (oneself) is optional and adds emphasis.

常見錯誤

❌I need to retool my computer.' (for physical repair — use 'fix' or 'update').
✅I need to retool for a software-engineering career.
💡sense 4 is about personal skills, not objects.