<XBRL>
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/AcquisitionsAcquisitionsDetails" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#AcquisitionsAcquisitionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/AcquisitionsAcquisitionsNotes" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#AcquisitionsAcquisitionsNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/AcquisitionsAcquisitionsTables" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#AcquisitionsAcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/BasisOfPresentationBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#BasisOfPresentationBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/BasisOfPresentationNotes" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#BasisOfPresentationNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/BasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#BasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeStatement" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeStatement" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/ContingenciesContingenciesDetails" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#ContingenciesContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/ContingenciesNotes" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#ContingenciesNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/DocumentAndCompanyInformation" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#DocumentAndCompanyInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareEarningsPerCommonShareDetails" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#EarningsPerCommonShareEarningsPerCommonShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareNotes" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#EarningsPerCommonShareNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareTables" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#EarningsPerCommonShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/FairValueNotes" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#FairValueNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesNotes" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/LeasesLeasesDetails" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#LeasesLeasesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/LeasesLeasesNotes" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#LeasesLeasesNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/LeasesLeasesTables" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#LeasesLeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/OtherChargesAndGainsDetails" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#OtherChargesAndGainsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/OtherChargesAndGainsNotes" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#OtherChargesAndGainsNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/OtherChargesAndGainsTables" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#OtherChargesAndGainsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/ReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsDetails" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#ReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/ReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsNotes" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#ReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/ReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsTables" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#ReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/RevenuesRevenuesDetails" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#RevenuesRevenuesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/RevenuesRevenuesNotes" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#RevenuesRevenuesNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/RevenuesRevenuesTables" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#RevenuesRevenuesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#SegmentInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/SegmentInformationNotes" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#SegmentInformationNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/SeniorDebtDetails" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#SeniorDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/SeniorDebtNotes" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#SeniorDebtNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/SeniorNotesDetails" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#SeniorNotesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/SeniorNotesNotes" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#SeniorNotesNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#StockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/StockBasedCompensationNotes" xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#StockBasedCompensationNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/AcquisitionsAcquisitionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_A3745FFF9A8729A8904641BBD8E9A453" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_A3745FFF9A8729A8904641BBD8E9A453" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E7426CE1D98CE451F7FE41BBD8E9DE24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_A3745FFF9A8729A8904641BBD8E9A453" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E7426CE1D98CE451F7FE41BBD8E9DE24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_18A536918E32C7ED49D041BBD8E97D26_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E7426CE1D98CE451F7FE41BBD8E9DE24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_18A536918E32C7ED49D041BBD8E97D26_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_18A536918E32C7ED49D041BBD8E97D26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E7426CE1D98CE451F7FE41BBD8E9DE24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_18A536918E32C7ED49D041BBD8E97D26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_MerchantsPreferredMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_MerchantsPreferredMember_4921B2235C50F2DDDF4E41BBD8EA085A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_18A536918E32C7ED49D041BBD8E97D26" xlink:to="loc_rcii_MerchantsPreferredMember_4921B2235C50F2DDDF4E41BBD8EA085A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEffectiveDateOfAcquisition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEffectiveDateOfAcquisition1_EA2F95E73D69274DC2AB41CACB1121E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEffectiveDateOfAcquisition1_EA2F95E73D69274DC2AB41CACB1121E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity_3074F31FB36AA42268B741CACB11DCA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity_3074F31FB36AA42268B741CACB11DCA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionDescriptionOfAcquiredEntity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionDescriptionOfAcquiredEntity_5D7189BD8725AF285E8841CACB116612" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionDescriptionOfAcquiredEntity_5D7189BD8725AF285E8841CACB116612" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_0627BB6E8C6207AF44A941CACB11ABDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_0627BB6E8C6207AF44A941CACB11ABDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_6E85576CD9B4B92BA0EE41CACB116B94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_6E85576CD9B4B92BA0EE41CACB116B94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationCostOfAcquiredEntityEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuableFairValueMethod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationCostOfAcquiredEntityEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuableFairValueMethod_5925B74B4B600017BB2741CACB112C26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationCostOfAcquiredEntityEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuableFairValueMethod_5925B74B4B600017BB2741CACB112C26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionSharePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionSharePrice_3D881D335188533AE1C841CACB111141" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionSharePrice_3D881D335188533AE1C841CACB111141" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentConsiderationTransferred" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentConsiderationTransferred_2F9F79D6FEBEE8B3819E41CAE0AF5C56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentConsiderationTransferred_2F9F79D6FEBEE8B3819E41CAE0AF5C56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_1B9F621C57BD44B4DE9541CAE08A6C8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_1B9F621C57BD44B4DE9541CAE08A6C8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets_9CDB92676B980B96D51D41CAE08A9352" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets_9CDB92676B980B96D51D41CAE08A9352" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory_1D3FCFA93AEF0F9C12CA41CAE08B003B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory_1D3FCFA93AEF0F9C12CA41CAE08B003B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedEquipment_ECA4B0B803B0EDA5CA7441CAEF444A79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedEquipment_ECA4B0B803B0EDA5CA7441CAEF444A79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_704EC3D44D14D79AF59F41CAE0700731" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_704EC3D44D14D79AF59F41CAE0700731" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_727418D52A48FAC472EE41CAF7F55437" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_727418D52A48FAC472EE41CAF7F55437" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_D29D62ADE3285B08738741CACB07F32D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_D29D62ADE3285B08738741CACB07F32D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCapitalLeaseObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCapitalLeaseObligation_8E4A634AB6B5FCAF27E341CACB0733B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCapitalLeaseObligation_8E4A634AB6B5FCAF27E341CACB0733B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_7D99A452BE4AD642B69441CACB07EB2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_7D99A452BE4AD642B69441CACB07EB2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_45E974FD12161F2DE22041CC93F8B48A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_45E974FD12161F2DE22041CC93F8B48A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationGoodwillRecognizedDescription" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationGoodwillRecognizedDescription_38E351F6237A9A3C4DC041CACB115A29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationGoodwillRecognizedDescription_38E351F6237A9A3C4DC041CACB115A29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts_81523EF12BC117099C6C41CACB11607E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D26447619A4FD1E32D8D41BBD8EA9899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts_81523EF12BC117099C6C41CACB11607E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/AcquisitionsAcquisitionsNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/AcquisitionsAcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/BasisOfPresentationBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1EC6939D83F2BBC1D1FE42188DE3BDDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_1125621CA6DD42679DB842188DE1099F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1EC6939D83F2BBC1D1FE42188DE3BDDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_1125621CA6DD42679DB842188DE1099F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_1A32927A71C896A433F242188DE2B4B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_1125621CA6DD42679DB842188DE1099F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_1A32927A71C896A433F242188DE2B4B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_D9A8CCC05DBC0E78E3AE42188DE2E8C1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_1A32927A71C896A433F242188DE2B4B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_D9A8CCC05DBC0E78E3AE42188DE2E8C1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_D9A8CCC05DBC0E78E3AE42188DE2E8C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_1A32927A71C896A433F242188DE2B4B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_D9A8CCC05DBC0E78E3AE42188DE2E8C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_F034DB4BDCFE2F7BE2B842188DE2134A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_1125621CA6DD42679DB842188DE1099F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_F034DB4BDCFE2F7BE2B842188DE2134A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_2E1EF6D95ECB62C1342842188DE277B1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_F034DB4BDCFE2F7BE2B842188DE2134A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_2E1EF6D95ECB62C1342842188DE277B1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_2E1EF6D95ECB62C1342842188DE277B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_F034DB4BDCFE2F7BE2B842188DE2134A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_2E1EF6D95ECB62C1342842188DE277B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_1BFF840EE8420859872B42188DE3D632" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_1125621CA6DD42679DB842188DE1099F" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_1BFF840EE8420859872B42188DE3D632" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_EE6A3159C2B572330E4042188DE34A60_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_1BFF840EE8420859872B42188DE3D632" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_EE6A3159C2B572330E4042188DE34A60_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_EE6A3159C2B572330E4042188DE34A60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_1BFF840EE8420859872B42188DE3D632" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_EE6A3159C2B572330E4042188DE34A60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1_8D4538342F8A46A119CC42188DE32A01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1EC6939D83F2BBC1D1FE42188DE3BDDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1_8D4538342F8A46A119CC42188DE32A01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_74DAB1752C3FFF0A842B42188DE40B52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1EC6939D83F2BBC1D1FE42188DE3BDDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_74DAB1752C3FFF0A842B42188DE40B52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_9C4D76DAE37007A8559C42188DE4E02F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1EC6939D83F2BBC1D1FE42188DE3BDDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_9C4D76DAE37007A8559C42188DE4E02F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/BasisOfPresentationNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/BasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2111F8152BE67DD12E4741BBD9CAF261" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3EBF70521750F514854B41BBD9C8A27A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2111F8152BE67DD12E4741BBD9CAF261" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3EBF70521750F514854B41BBD9C8A27A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_CE57ACC4E4F349AA0E3A41BBD9C93705" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3EBF70521750F514854B41BBD9C8A27A" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_CE57ACC4E4F349AA0E3A41BBD9C93705" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_479F7D51317F1B2B07DD41BBD9C96A3A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_CE57ACC4E4F349AA0E3A41BBD9C93705" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_479F7D51317F1B2B07DD41BBD9C96A3A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_479F7D51317F1B2B07DD41BBD9C96A3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_CE57ACC4E4F349AA0E3A41BBD9C93705" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_479F7D51317F1B2B07DD41BBD9C96A3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_FC2F8CF2B2B56800066041BBD9C9375A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3EBF70521750F514854B41BBD9C8A27A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_FC2F8CF2B2B56800066041BBD9C9375A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9B35E7AFF6C06566F57A41BBD9C9AE2A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_FC2F8CF2B2B56800066041BBD9C9375A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9B35E7AFF6C06566F57A41BBD9C9AE2A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9B35E7AFF6C06566F57A41BBD9C9AE2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_FC2F8CF2B2B56800066041BBD9C9375A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9B35E7AFF6C06566F57A41BBD9C9AE2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C40E27F4FF9BA47A631541BBD9CA635D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2111F8152BE67DD12E4741BBD9CAF261" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C40E27F4FF9BA47A631541BBD9CA635D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_EE2A6AD2F592025C7CB041BCF25A6129" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C40E27F4FF9BA47A631541BBD9CA635D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_EE2A6AD2F592025C7CB041BCF25A6129" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet_DB006D39EEB913778DDB41BCFAA0ED0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C40E27F4FF9BA47A631541BBD9CA635D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet_DB006D39EEB913778DDB41BCFAA0ED0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets_B16404546105E1CC97AE41BD054A3893" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C40E27F4FF9BA47A631541BBD9CA635D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets_B16404546105E1CC97AE41BD054A3893" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_RentalMerchandiseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_rcii_RentalMerchandiseAbstract_06F73495BCEBFDC1762D41BBD9CCCE78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C40E27F4FF9BA47A631541BBD9CA635D" xlink:to="loc_rcii_RentalMerchandiseAbstract_06F73495BCEBFDC1762D41BBD9CCCE78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_RentalMerchandiseOnRentNet" xlink:label="loc_rcii_RentalMerchandiseOnRentNet_544387C3D7F68E61CEA641BBD9CCA6E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_RentalMerchandiseAbstract_06F73495BCEBFDC1762D41BBD9CCCE78" xlink:to="loc_rcii_RentalMerchandiseOnRentNet_544387C3D7F68E61CEA641BBD9CCA6E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_RentalMerchandiseHeldForRentNet" xlink:label="loc_rcii_RentalMerchandiseHeldForRentNet_51759DC6B96C6DF869BA41BBD9CC86CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_RentalMerchandiseAbstract_06F73495BCEBFDC1762D41BBD9CCCE78" xlink:to="loc_rcii_RentalMerchandiseHeldForRentNet_51759DC6B96C6DF869BA41BBD9CC86CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_Merchandiseheldforinstallmentsale" xlink:label="loc_rcii_Merchandiseheldforinstallmentsale_4FE0E4ABDC9FB00C1F8A41BBD9CDFDEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C40E27F4FF9BA47A631541BBD9CA635D" xlink:to="loc_rcii_Merchandiseheldforinstallmentsale_4FE0E4ABDC9FB00C1F8A41BBD9CDFDEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_4F321081D2C04BBE921841BD216342E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C40E27F4FF9BA47A631541BBD9CA635D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_4F321081D2C04BBE921841BD216342E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_3E97879BB711EBAA7D4F41BBD9CDFABF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C40E27F4FF9BA47A631541BBD9CA635D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_3E97879BB711EBAA7D4F41BBD9CDFABF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_B7E37383C8DDFCDA002641BBD9CD6627" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C40E27F4FF9BA47A631541BBD9CA635D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_B7E37383C8DDFCDA002641BBD9CD6627" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_B4E767226068743F732E41BBD9CD65FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C40E27F4FF9BA47A631541BBD9CA635D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_B4E767226068743F732E41BBD9CD65FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_8D785B4B58B81547806B41BD45D45125" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C40E27F4FF9BA47A631541BBD9CA635D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_8D785B4B58B81547806B41BD45D45125" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_A7A608F66E2B48D42AAE41BBD9CE7D91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C40E27F4FF9BA47A631541BBD9CA635D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_A7A608F66E2B48D42AAE41BBD9CE7D91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_F6DF903A2F4DD0AB01B441BBD9CF2200" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2111F8152BE67DD12E4741BBD9CAF261" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_F6DF903A2F4DD0AB01B441BBD9CF2200" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_3A46C9D0A4A2EC047E3341BBD9CF8189" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_F6DF903A2F4DD0AB01B441BBD9CF2200" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_3A46C9D0A4A2EC047E3341BBD9CF8189" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_C3DB91365CBAEAC9AA4D41BD92F73936" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_3A46C9D0A4A2EC047E3341BBD9CF8189" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_C3DB91365CBAEAC9AA4D41BD92F73936" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_C3CD2B953B59502E6F3D41BD92F87254" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_3A46C9D0A4A2EC047E3341BBD9CF8189" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_C3CD2B953B59502E6F3D41BD92F87254" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_42FC2BEC3520E50C075F41BBD9D09BF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_3A46C9D0A4A2EC047E3341BBD9CF8189" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_42FC2BEC3520E50C075F41BBD9D09BF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_6EDAE6DC9D1CB3AE400C41BBD9D077C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_3A46C9D0A4A2EC047E3341BBD9CF8189" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_6EDAE6DC9D1CB3AE400C41BBD9D077C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_60E47A9EBC59A0B52CE441BDB0558A3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_3A46C9D0A4A2EC047E3341BBD9CF8189" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_60E47A9EBC59A0B52CE441BDB0558A3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherBorrowings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherBorrowings_7C876DC2377661210A4041BDB05B7319" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_3A46C9D0A4A2EC047E3341BBD9CF8189" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherBorrowings_7C876DC2377661210A4041BDB05B7319" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_33F85E8925939F20A19541BBD9D118C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_3A46C9D0A4A2EC047E3341BBD9CF8189" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_33F85E8925939F20A19541BBD9D118C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_814294391614839FEE4441BDD415D098" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_F6DF903A2F4DD0AB01B441BBD9CF2200" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_814294391614839FEE4441BDD415D098" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_EEEBF7D4A625A6E8766B41BDD4157A69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_814294391614839FEE4441BDD415D098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_EEEBF7D4A625A6E8766B41BDD4157A69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_800A4E46699068683CDB41BDE7527481" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_814294391614839FEE4441BDD415D098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_800A4E46699068683CDB41BDE7527481" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_090BDFEB36C2016B93A041BDEF5141C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_814294391614839FEE4441BDD415D098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_090BDFEB36C2016B93A041BDEF5141C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_4FC5AC0B8488A854D19141BDF6F6929D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_814294391614839FEE4441BDD415D098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_4FC5AC0B8488A854D19141BDF6F6929D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_56AA79E458C0533120B241BDFF6E8061" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_814294391614839FEE4441BDD415D098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_56AA79E458C0533120B241BDFF6E8061" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_9DAA2EF789B51671321A41BDD416DC7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_814294391614839FEE4441BDD415D098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_9DAA2EF789B51671321A41BDD416DC7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_5249AF28EAEB6EAC066B41BBD9D9F634" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2111F8152BE67DD12E4741BBD9CAF261" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_5249AF28EAEB6EAC066B41BBD9D9F634" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE67C6AD278301B63F9641FA007B0844" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_CD0982168CA35811B71541FA007B319D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE67C6AD278301B63F9641FA007B0844" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_CD0982168CA35811B71541FA007B319D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_4B805D827517D1F2D70E41FA007BAD48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_CD0982168CA35811B71541FA007B319D" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_4B805D827517D1F2D70E41FA007BAD48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_1F803EB6F75B82C66A0741FA007B2C0C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_4B805D827517D1F2D70E41FA007BAD48" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_1F803EB6F75B82C66A0741FA007B2C0C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_1F803EB6F75B82C66A0741FA007B2C0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_4B805D827517D1F2D70E41FA007BAD48" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_1F803EB6F75B82C66A0741FA007B2C0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_FEF1BAA47EC60874077F41FA007BC42D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_CD0982168CA35811B71541FA007B319D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_FEF1BAA47EC60874077F41FA007BC42D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_738E6648A4261F75E9FD41FA007B1F8C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_FEF1BAA47EC60874077F41FA007BC42D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_738E6648A4261F75E9FD41FA007B1F8C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_738E6648A4261F75E9FD41FA007B1F8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_FEF1BAA47EC60874077F41FA007BC42D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_738E6648A4261F75E9FD41FA007B1F8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_C41FD726A361B4997291420189061A30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE67C6AD278301B63F9641FA007B0844" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_C41FD726A361B4997291420189061A30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_9D482FF2659132AF98A74201994D7FD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE67C6AD278301B63F9641FA007B0844" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_9D482FF2659132AF98A74201994D7FD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_9674E4C43613BCA4EDD94201AA82B96F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE67C6AD278301B63F9641FA007B0844" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_9674E4C43613BCA4EDD94201AA82B96F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_187C89C768FF2A1D2C0A4201AA824DBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE67C6AD278301B63F9641FA007B0844" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_187C89C768FF2A1D2C0A4201AA824DBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_7F11DE3B10C3EF1285524201AA822B1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE67C6AD278301B63F9641FA007B0844" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_7F11DE3B10C3EF1285524201AA822B1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_BC94691B48CBCB81B1734201C76A1C62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE67C6AD278301B63F9641FA007B0844" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_BC94691B48CBCB81B1734201C76A1C62" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_751AAF80E2594D072ADE41F7EE89E15F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B02E10A85F51B70F295B41F7EE8907BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_751AAF80E2594D072ADE41F7EE89E15F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B02E10A85F51B70F295B41F7EE8907BD" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_676AB9B400568E46E51B41F7EE89609D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B02E10A85F51B70F295B41F7EE8907BD" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_676AB9B400568E46E51B41F7EE89609D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_7636635BB06FB1645A5E41F7EE897388_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_676AB9B400568E46E51B41F7EE89609D" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_7636635BB06FB1645A5E41F7EE897388_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_7636635BB06FB1645A5E41F7EE897388" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_676AB9B400568E46E51B41F7EE89609D" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_7636635BB06FB1645A5E41F7EE897388" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax_AD2D4A401339E2F6F77641FBB8C696C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_751AAF80E2594D072ADE41F7EE89E15F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax_AD2D4A401339E2F6F77641FBB8C696C7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeStatement" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B01F846DBD27A0C642FA42190A4A833E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_04C97CA00284EBDD19A842190A49BD7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B01F846DBD27A0C642FA42190A4A833E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_04C97CA00284EBDD19A842190A49BD7D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5FBD1226D2E87417C53642190A49BFB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_04C97CA00284EBDD19A842190A49BD7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5FBD1226D2E87417C53642190A49BFB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8588686D4668DAAB59AD42190A497DB4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5FBD1226D2E87417C53642190A49BFB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8588686D4668DAAB59AD42190A497DB4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8588686D4668DAAB59AD42190A497DB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5FBD1226D2E87417C53642190A49BFB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8588686D4668DAAB59AD42190A497DB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_82A4F0B066E7BC3EBDF042190A4ADC6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8588686D4668DAAB59AD42190A497DB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_82A4F0B066E7BC3EBDF042190A4ADC6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_52E75323EEB1D14006E142190A4AC1B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_04C97CA00284EBDD19A842190A49BD7D" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_52E75323EEB1D14006E142190A4AC1B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_5A72477365471A34FE0E42190A4A7EA3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_52E75323EEB1D14006E142190A4AC1B0" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_5A72477365471A34FE0E42190A4A7EA3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_5A72477365471A34FE0E42190A4A7EA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_52E75323EEB1D14006E142190A4AC1B0" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_5A72477365471A34FE0E42190A4A7EA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_4288042B880BF343386042190A4A56BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B01F846DBD27A0C642FA42190A4A833E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_4288042B880BF343386042190A4A56BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_76B135AEA0310E69C69342190A4B11EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_4288042B880BF343386042190A4A56BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_76B135AEA0310E69C69342190A4B11EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_B58527EABE9AF5A8AEA042190A4BCB0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_4288042B880BF343386042190A4A56BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_B58527EABE9AF5A8AEA042190A4BCB0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_ED30239F9CE09479728A42190A4B7C25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_B58527EABE9AF5A8AEA042190A4BCB0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_ED30239F9CE09479728A42190A4B7C25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_97910E12085F72DBBD3142190A4CA60B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_B58527EABE9AF5A8AEA042190A4BCB0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_97910E12085F72DBBD3142190A4CA60B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_25DDFF83A66854D626A442190A4C2DB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_B58527EABE9AF5A8AEA042190A4BCB0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_25DDFF83A66854D626A442190A4C2DB7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AB3DF424C0AE8E6DB8C941BBD94F2989" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_258EDB7D0C92625DEAD041BBD949453C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AB3DF424C0AE8E6DB8C941BBD94F2989" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_258EDB7D0C92625DEAD041BBD949453C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_A88B9B4261B5AD9FCC4C41BBD94E6BC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_258EDB7D0C92625DEAD041BBD949453C" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_A88B9B4261B5AD9FCC4C41BBD94E6BC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_06109DCC944E3F270E7641BBD94F4BF0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_A88B9B4261B5AD9FCC4C41BBD94E6BC0" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_06109DCC944E3F270E7641BBD94F4BF0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_06109DCC944E3F270E7641BBD94F4BF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_A88B9B4261B5AD9FCC4C41BBD94E6BC0" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_06109DCC944E3F270E7641BBD94F4BF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_92F739B587467211BB5641C0EAA439BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AB3DF424C0AE8E6DB8C941BBD94F2989" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_92F739B587467211BB5641C0EAA439BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_51D0DD1A29E917B7549841C0EAA4343E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_92F739B587467211BB5641C0EAA439BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_51D0DD1A29E917B7549841C0EAA4343E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_57806578F66FA77A982F41C0EAA5EB9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_92F739B587467211BB5641C0EAA439BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_57806578F66FA77A982F41C0EAA5EB9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_DepreciationOfRentalMerchandise" xlink:label="loc_rcii_DepreciationOfRentalMerchandise_FE837E1F61E5BEB5A03341C123B9A662" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_57806578F66FA77A982F41C0EAA5EB9A" xlink:to="loc_rcii_DepreciationOfRentalMerchandise_FE837E1F61E5BEB5A03341C123B9A662" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_7756D82B0C0C2FA9DA6041C123BF1609" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_57806578F66FA77A982F41C0EAA5EB9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_7756D82B0C0C2FA9DA6041C123BF1609" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_2E18DDD58D8DE516DAB141C142082A65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_57806578F66FA77A982F41C0EAA5EB9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_2E18DDD58D8DE516DAB141C142082A65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_20AE53B47B60524AD1CD41C154B869A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_57806578F66FA77A982F41C0EAA5EB9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_20AE53B47B60524AD1CD41C154B869A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_3F12D18C70CBD764994241C19078E89B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_57806578F66FA77A982F41C0EAA5EB9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_3F12D18C70CBD764994241C19078E89B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_98CC8BDBF73711C2F81C41C1654B4743" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_57806578F66FA77A982F41C0EAA5EB9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_98CC8BDBF73711C2F81C41C1654B4743" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_4279905FF8EFE1FEEF0941C178B1379E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_57806578F66FA77A982F41C0EAA5EB9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_4279905FF8EFE1FEEF0941C178B1379E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAmortizationOfDeferredCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAmortizationOfDeferredCharges_26722DBD9818622BE3AD41C1655C7708" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_57806578F66FA77A982F41C0EAA5EB9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAmortizationOfDeferredCharges_26722DBD9818622BE3AD41C1655C7708" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits_9B16BF20501C2FD6EAE641C19A4C499B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_57806578F66FA77A982F41C0EAA5EB9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits_9B16BF20501C2FD6EAE641C19A4C499B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_74A9B21188C86598730C41C0EAB07DB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_92F739B587467211BB5641C0EAA439BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_74A9B21188C86598730C41C0EAB07DB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_IncreaseDecreaseInRentalMerchandise" xlink:label="loc_rcii_IncreaseDecreaseInRentalMerchandise_45B266D7F81CC30BEFE541C228AE1CF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_74A9B21188C86598730C41C0EAB07DB4" xlink:to="loc_rcii_IncreaseDecreaseInRentalMerchandise_45B266D7F81CC30BEFE541C228AE1CF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_CBC3F8604499F02295A541C23117CD5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_74A9B21188C86598730C41C0EAB07DB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_CBC3F8604499F02295A541C23117CD5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_75373B14F72A66D127DF41C23BD96F7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_74A9B21188C86598730C41C0EAB07DB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_75373B14F72A66D127DF41C23BD96F7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_IncreaseDecreaseofOperatingLeasesNet" xlink:label="loc_rcii_IncreaseDecreaseofOperatingLeasesNet_59113171807BCDB9A38641C228BBA2F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_74A9B21188C86598730C41C0EAB07DB4" xlink:to="loc_rcii_IncreaseDecreaseofOperatingLeasesNet_59113171807BCDB9A38641C228BBA2F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade_D355565CD658C92E817641C276B6E053" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_74A9B21188C86598730C41C0EAB07DB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade_D355565CD658C92E817641C276B6E053" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities_921EA0027B0A04A0E11041C2762BF4F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_74A9B21188C86598730C41C0EAB07DB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities_921EA0027B0A04A0E11041C2762BF4F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_6044EA88D988FEF9AE7F41C0EAB592F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_92F739B587467211BB5641C0EAA439BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_6044EA88D988FEF9AE7F41C0EAB592F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_C9BC584B829BD4C1DFD041C0EABBD421" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AB3DF424C0AE8E6DB8C941BBD94F2989" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_C9BC584B829BD4C1DFD041C0EABBD421" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_C0D25E5B78CDD2FA065641C382F2018E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_C9BC584B829BD4C1DFD041C0EABBD421" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_C0D25E5B78CDD2FA065641C382F2018E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_1FB1D36D62C1A7A673A341C3828676EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_C9BC584B829BD4C1DFD041C0EABBD421" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_1FB1D36D62C1A7A673A341C3828676EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromInsuranceSettlementInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromInsuranceSettlementInvestingActivities_5F6778634D92EA6656F141C35AC641C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_C9BC584B829BD4C1DFD041C0EABBD421" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromInsuranceSettlementInvestingActivities_5F6778634D92EA6656F141C35AC641C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_9D7370DE3F4C9C4F3D5841C3B652756C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_C9BC584B829BD4C1DFD041C0EABBD421" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_9D7370DE3F4C9C4F3D5841C3B652756C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_4C8AF2BB2FEA79DD509E41C0EABE5668" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_C9BC584B829BD4C1DFD041C0EABBD421" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_4C8AF2BB2FEA79DD509E41C0EABE5668" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_6E33554CA9C9F7F1480941C0EAC350C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AB3DF424C0AE8E6DB8C941BBD94F2989" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_6E33554CA9C9F7F1480941C0EAC350C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_F8615A6BF1573C92CBD841C3F28EBC92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_6E33554CA9C9F7F1480941C0EAC350C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_F8615A6BF1573C92CBD841C3F28EBC92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_F3EF78172D1C2B36E93C41C3D52B0CC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_6E33554CA9C9F7F1480941C0EAC350C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_F3EF78172D1C2B36E93C41C3D52B0CC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_FFBA9FBF04B1ABFF661441C424F93C3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_6E33554CA9C9F7F1480941C0EAC350C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_FFBA9FBF04B1ABFF661441C424F93C3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSecuredDebt_C885921504F92E189C5341C437BC7EED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_6E33554CA9C9F7F1480941C0EAC350C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSecuredDebt_C885921504F92E189C5341C437BC7EED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt_B58F81A1DBE1759F2D5441C440D8C16D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_6E33554CA9C9F7F1480941C0EAC350C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt_B58F81A1DBE1759F2D5441C440D8C16D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_74574C8C38B2CA728B4241C0EACCC189" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_6E33554CA9C9F7F1480941C0EAC350C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_74574C8C38B2CA728B4241C0EACCC189" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents_327F77D608DD33B6E97441C4B4065A59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AB3DF424C0AE8E6DB8C941BBD94F2989" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents_327F77D608DD33B6E97441C4B4065A59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_2A358DD43832294B4DA541C0EAE77DEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AB3DF424C0AE8E6DB8C941BBD94F2989" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_2A358DD43832294B4DA541C0EAE77DEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_5A8197B7F1B374ED0B0B41C4CC138674" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AB3DF424C0AE8E6DB8C941BBD94F2989" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_5A8197B7F1B374ED0B0B41C4CC138674" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8460C973902669A1FE7D41AA7F0941A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_AB0C0A57607539F9F8AC41AA7F08B0A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8460C973902669A1FE7D41AA7F0941A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_AB0C0A57607539F9F8AC41AA7F08B0A6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_971765DCEC88104373FB41AA7F0851A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_AB0C0A57607539F9F8AC41AA7F08B0A6" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_971765DCEC88104373FB41AA7F0851A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_2557E951E66C9A90177E41AA7F080A13_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_971765DCEC88104373FB41AA7F0851A9" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_2557E951E66C9A90177E41AA7F080A13_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_2557E951E66C9A90177E41AA7F080A13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RestatementAxis_971765DCEC88104373FB41AA7F0851A9" xlink:to="loc_srt_RestatementDomain_2557E951E66C9A90177E41AA7F080A13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_C4B20F8DC4A3DC8189E641AA7F095758" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_AB0C0A57607539F9F8AC41AA7F08B0A6" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_C4B20F8DC4A3DC8189E641AA7F095758" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_72359C4AAED6275F136D41AA7F09F774_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_C4B20F8DC4A3DC8189E641AA7F095758" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_72359C4AAED6275F136D41AA7F09F774_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_72359C4AAED6275F136D41AA7F09F774" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_C4B20F8DC4A3DC8189E641AA7F095758" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_72359C4AAED6275F136D41AA7F09F774" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_2AD2742B14BBD348868141B039D05A10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8460C973902669A1FE7D41AA7F0941A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_2AD2742B14BBD348868141B039D05A10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_StoreAbstract" xlink:label="loc_rcii_StoreAbstract_EAC14A05AB0D2CCD14BD41B039D0310E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_2AD2742B14BBD348868141B039D05A10" xlink:to="loc_rcii_StoreAbstract_EAC14A05AB0D2CCD14BD41B039D0310E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_RentalsAndFees" xlink:label="loc_rcii_RentalsAndFees_AD954A918B7A0672567C41B039D0F242" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_StoreAbstract_EAC14A05AB0D2CCD14BD41B039D0310E" xlink:to="loc_rcii_RentalsAndFees_AD954A918B7A0672567C41B039D0F242" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_MerchandiseSales" xlink:label="loc_rcii_MerchandiseSales_50F2C16E3D5EC709551541B039D16F4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_StoreAbstract_EAC14A05AB0D2CCD14BD41B039D0310E" xlink:to="loc_rcii_MerchandiseSales_50F2C16E3D5EC709551541B039D16F4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_InstallmentSales" xlink:label="loc_rcii_InstallmentSales_753EC1C4A755FE85AEC741B039D1DC57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_StoreAbstract_EAC14A05AB0D2CCD14BD41B039D0310E" xlink:to="loc_rcii_InstallmentSales_753EC1C4A755FE85AEC741B039D1DC57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_OtherStoreRevenue" xlink:label="loc_rcii_OtherStoreRevenue_6ECDB3CC8655BF27941D41B039D1402F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_StoreAbstract_EAC14A05AB0D2CCD14BD41B039D0310E" xlink:to="loc_rcii_OtherStoreRevenue_6ECDB3CC8655BF27941D41B039D1402F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_Storerevenues" xlink:label="loc_rcii_Storerevenues_05CE83CE2897C7F6525E41B039D141AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_2AD2742B14BBD348868141B039D05A10" xlink:to="loc_rcii_Storerevenues_05CE83CE2897C7F6525E41B039D141AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_FranchiseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_rcii_FranchiseAbstract_CACF62032C0137DE0AAB41B039D1CE24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_2AD2742B14BBD348868141B039D05A10" xlink:to="loc_rcii_FranchiseAbstract_CACF62032C0137DE0AAB41B039D1CE24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_FranchiseMerchandiseSales" xlink:label="loc_rcii_FranchiseMerchandiseSales_448ABE5715D93B1F671B41B039D21D9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_FranchiseAbstract_CACF62032C0137DE0AAB41B039D1CE24" xlink:to="loc_rcii_FranchiseMerchandiseSales_448ABE5715D93B1F671B41B039D21D9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_FranchiseRoyaltyIncomeAndFees" xlink:label="loc_rcii_FranchiseRoyaltyIncomeAndFees_B7D46A8549C05663214D41B039D2FDAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_FranchiseAbstract_CACF62032C0137DE0AAB41B039D1CE24" xlink:to="loc_rcii_FranchiseRoyaltyIncomeAndFees_B7D46A8549C05663214D41B039D2FDAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_0E21FA354CBC1A90C21341B039D2265A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_2AD2742B14BBD348868141B039D05A10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_0E21FA354CBC1A90C21341B039D2265A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_76790445C1B0D5FC11E441B039D295DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_2AD2742B14BBD348868141B039D05A10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_76790445C1B0D5FC11E441B039D295DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_DirectStoreExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_rcii_DirectStoreExpensesAbstract_6D5E7CE9BF970166F98741B039D2F41F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_76790445C1B0D5FC11E441B039D295DA" xlink:to="loc_rcii_DirectStoreExpensesAbstract_6D5E7CE9BF970166F98741B039D2F41F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_CostOfRentalsAndFees" xlink:label="loc_rcii_CostOfRentalsAndFees_41E69B95EFFE6FB9A05641B039D2ED9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_DirectStoreExpensesAbstract_6D5E7CE9BF970166F98741B039D2F41F" xlink:to="loc_rcii_CostOfRentalsAndFees_41E69B95EFFE6FB9A05641B039D2ED9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_CostOfMerchandiseSold" xlink:label="loc_rcii_CostOfMerchandiseSold_054A7906870A25D9B2EF41B039D3C1EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_DirectStoreExpensesAbstract_6D5E7CE9BF970166F98741B039D2F41F" xlink:to="loc_rcii_CostOfMerchandiseSold_054A7906870A25D9B2EF41B039D3C1EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_CostOfInstallmentSales" xlink:label="loc_rcii_CostOfInstallmentSales_2F6A4810AD7DA90D1ED941B039D39BD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_DirectStoreExpensesAbstract_6D5E7CE9BF970166F98741B039D2F41F" xlink:to="loc_rcii_CostOfInstallmentSales_2F6A4810AD7DA90D1ED941B039D39BD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_Costofstorerevenues" xlink:label="loc_rcii_Costofstorerevenues_6BAFD99121946C97A1E841B039D36A8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_DirectStoreExpensesAbstract_6D5E7CE9BF970166F98741B039D2F41F" xlink:to="loc_rcii_Costofstorerevenues_6BAFD99121946C97A1E841B039D36A8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_FranchiseCostOfMerchandiseSold" xlink:label="loc_rcii_FranchiseCostOfMerchandiseSold_0B47D29B8A9C50472FE841B039D3E0EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_76790445C1B0D5FC11E441B039D295DA" xlink:to="loc_rcii_FranchiseCostOfMerchandiseSold_0B47D29B8A9C50472FE841B039D3E0EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_93EA1D5A72D5462D188C41B039D344E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_76790445C1B0D5FC11E441B039D295DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_93EA1D5A72D5462D188C41B039D344E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrossProfit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_9A93ED01F4CFFE63E61241B039D368DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_2AD2742B14BBD348868141B039D05A10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_9A93ED01F4CFFE63E61241B039D368DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_446575E57BDFD021624341B039D6DC8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8460C973902669A1FE7D41AA7F0941A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_446575E57BDFD021624341B039D6DC8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_StoreexpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_rcii_StoreexpensesAbstract_FC2422AC47449DE8805B41B039D683A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_446575E57BDFD021624341B039D6DC8F" xlink:to="loc_rcii_StoreexpensesAbstract_FC2422AC47449DE8805B41B039D683A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_4184589AB8584600C07541B039D69605" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_StoreexpensesAbstract_FC2422AC47449DE8805B41B039D683A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_4184589AB8584600C07541B039D69605" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_91BD16C03E1EF4483DF041B039D6BD81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_StoreexpensesAbstract_FC2422AC47449DE8805B41B039D683A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_91BD16C03E1EF4483DF041B039D6BD81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_E8BF43C14B1E3A5CED0F41B039D73F26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_446575E57BDFD021624341B039D6DC8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_E8BF43C14B1E3A5CED0F41B039D73F26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_657D636BC46C7181F9F241B039D8F06A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_446575E57BDFD021624341B039D6DC8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_657D636BC46C7181F9F241B039D8F06A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonrecurringIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonrecurringIncomeExpense_A13B87F6C9465F0AB47F41B039D8DE63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_446575E57BDFD021624341B039D6DC8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonrecurringIncomeExpense_A13B87F6C9465F0AB47F41B039D8DE63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_B7225B6A6D44B09257A141B039D805A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_446575E57BDFD021624341B039D6DC8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_B7225B6A6D44B09257A141B039D805A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_260F8D10CA655E6B789341B039D9CBF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8460C973902669A1FE7D41AA7F0941A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_260F8D10CA655E6B789341B039D9CBF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtRelatedCommitmentFeesAndDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtRelatedCommitmentFeesAndDebtIssuanceCosts_735946A22A9A59AF323741B039DB5702" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8460C973902669A1FE7D41AA7F0941A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtRelatedCommitmentFeesAndDebtIssuanceCosts_735946A22A9A59AF323741B039DB5702" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_1DFC746FF458A4575C3B41B039DCC99C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8460C973902669A1FE7D41AA7F0941A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_1DFC746FF458A4575C3B41B039DCC99C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_41FE0512CFCFC73EB32F41B039DE6D6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8460C973902669A1FE7D41AA7F0941A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_41FE0512CFCFC73EB32F41B039DE6D6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_FD88C9DEE532EB958AD341B039E045C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8460C973902669A1FE7D41AA7F0941A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_FD88C9DEE532EB958AD341B039E045C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_28D4984D1429D1B74F1C41B039E2D47C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8460C973902669A1FE7D41AA7F0941A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_28D4984D1429D1B74F1C41B039E2D47C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_D53017505A750F6C339E41B039E3D181" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8460C973902669A1FE7D41AA7F0941A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_D53017505A750F6C339E41B039E3D181" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_508E4EDF16635AE2782B41AE8D828227" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8460C973902669A1FE7D41AA7F0941A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_508E4EDF16635AE2782B41AE8D828227" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_C50934F4DF1E79D7D27D41AE9D0CF16A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8460C973902669A1FE7D41AA7F0941A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_C50934F4DF1E79D7D27D41AE9D0CF16A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_64DAAB8E7935B6CD7F0441FA00510AA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_73E623759CD66A46A78D41FA004F427E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_64DAAB8E7935B6CD7F0441FA00510AA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_73E623759CD66A46A78D41FA004F427E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_189B3F2C1F2FDE8FE2B741FA004FC4A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_73E623759CD66A46A78D41FA004F427E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_189B3F2C1F2FDE8FE2B741FA004FC4A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_36BB36D0564128E3690141FA0050E25D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_189B3F2C1F2FDE8FE2B741FA004FC4A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_36BB36D0564128E3690141FA0050E25D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_36BB36D0564128E3690141FA0050E25D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_189B3F2C1F2FDE8FE2B741FA004FC4A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_36BB36D0564128E3690141FA0050E25D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_09A8939D78E35F97663941FA0050556B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_36BB36D0564128E3690141FA0050E25D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_09A8939D78E35F97663941FA0050556B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_926F0C4017ADC978660441FA00508F80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_36BB36D0564128E3690141FA0050E25D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_926F0C4017ADC978660441FA00508F80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_CD25EF3BBA91C743513D41FA00508057" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_36BB36D0564128E3690141FA0050E25D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_CD25EF3BBA91C743513D41FA00508057" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_D00038B3CEDD5E8832A941FA0051F0F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_36BB36D0564128E3690141FA0050E25D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_D00038B3CEDD5E8832A941FA0051F0F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_5C95031E0892DF6D296D41FA00510D89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_36BB36D0564128E3690141FA0050E25D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_5C95031E0892DF6D296D41FA00510D89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7851FB6B61709E0D519141FA00516C6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_64DAAB8E7935B6CD7F0441FA00510AA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7851FB6B61709E0D519141FA00516C6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_23769AEB36D2DBC58D7941FA00513FC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7851FB6B61709E0D519141FA00516C6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_23769AEB36D2DBC58D7941FA00513FC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_ED28DB26D7B1BB42C5D641FA0052E0E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7851FB6B61709E0D519141FA00516C6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_ED28DB26D7B1BB42C5D641FA0052E0E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest_8618CA3C1B76E7793F3341FA0052215B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7851FB6B61709E0D519141FA00516C6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest_8618CA3C1B76E7793F3341FA0052215B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_16EF07F5BA32DAA06AE541FA00524487" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7851FB6B61709E0D519141FA00516C6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_16EF07F5BA32DAA06AE541FA00524487" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_5DB7C8175DCD107C7E1D41FA0052EA8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7851FB6B61709E0D519141FA00516C6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_5DB7C8175DCD107C7E1D41FA0052EA8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_669CCD3E27EE3B69A20D41FA0052D1D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7851FB6B61709E0D519141FA00516C6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_669CCD3E27EE3B69A20D41FA0052D1D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_EAEFF97EDEEF57B0138E41FA00520621" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7851FB6B61709E0D519141FA00516C6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_EAEFF97EDEEF57B0138E41FA00520621" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_31DEF63093D43F6817D341FA005309A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7851FB6B61709E0D519141FA00516C6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_31DEF63093D43F6817D341FA005309A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_741647EEAC8AA5C6044E41FA0053BAC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7851FB6B61709E0D519141FA00516C6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_741647EEAC8AA5C6044E41FA0053BAC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_4B6C282FBD83829EAF1841FA0053B212" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7851FB6B61709E0D519141FA00516C6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_4B6C282FBD83829EAF1841FA0053B212" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_E5EFB2BD8A48367001E941FA005302DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7851FB6B61709E0D519141FA00516C6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_E5EFB2BD8A48367001E941FA005302DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_523DC4C54F0DB2E0D64A41FA0053D9FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7851FB6B61709E0D519141FA00516C6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_523DC4C54F0DB2E0D64A41FA0053D9FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions_66AE1F550178582ED92B41FA005DA6C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7851FB6B61709E0D519141FA00516C6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions_66AE1F550178582ED92B41FA005DA6C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions_D395AF7D46C1588B435D41FA005D641D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_7851FB6B61709E0D519141FA00516C6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions_D395AF7D46C1588B435D41FA005D641D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/ContingenciesContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_78335181EAEB9BF8A86C3D0322ABF7DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_6F509138DBE7C17044AF3D0322A864B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_78335181EAEB9BF8A86C3D0322ABF7DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_6F509138DBE7C17044AF3D0322A864B6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6B857D5530AB9E57228E3D0322A846E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_6F509138DBE7C17044AF3D0322A864B6" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6B857D5530AB9E57228E3D0322A846E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_2F79BD32E41197FF93A13D0322A8FDEA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6B857D5530AB9E57228E3D0322A846E2" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_2F79BD32E41197FF93A13D0322A8FDEA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_2F79BD32E41197FF93A13D0322A8FDEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6B857D5530AB9E57228E3D0322A846E2" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_2F79BD32E41197FF93A13D0322A8FDEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_417F9DDB290E85C14CD23D0322A9BB1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_2F79BD32E41197FF93A13D0322A8FDEA" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_417F9DDB290E85C14CD23D0322A9BB1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_B5087059F9414A4188523D0322A94C66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_2F79BD32E41197FF93A13D0322A8FDEA" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_B5087059F9414A4188523D0322A94C66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_81D786A80E49237738063D0322A9E710" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_6F509138DBE7C17044AF3D0322A864B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_81D786A80E49237738063D0322A9E710" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9321D8F16EC572E4F8A23D0322A97E23_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_81D786A80E49237738063D0322A9E710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9321D8F16EC572E4F8A23D0322A97E23_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9321D8F16EC572E4F8A23D0322A97E23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_81D786A80E49237738063D0322A9E710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9321D8F16EC572E4F8A23D0322A97E23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_AcceptanceNowMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_AcceptanceNowMember_CA146CC4630339D3C9DD3D0322AAAD02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9321D8F16EC572E4F8A23D0322A97E23" xlink:to="loc_rcii_AcceptanceNowMember_CA146CC4630339D3C9DD3D0322AAAD02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicDistributionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionAxis_0BF5323FBFB2D0D503DA3D0322AA6770" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_6F509138DBE7C17044AF3D0322A864B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionAxis_0BF5323FBFB2D0D503DA3D0322AA6770" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicDistributionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionDomain_21F09D7E1B0C3199305A3D0322AADE88_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionAxis_0BF5323FBFB2D0D503DA3D0322AA6770" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionDomain_21F09D7E1B0C3199305A3D0322AADE88_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicDistributionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionDomain_21F09D7E1B0C3199305A3D0322AADE88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionAxis_0BF5323FBFB2D0D503DA3D0322AA6770" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionDomain_21F09D7E1B0C3199305A3D0322AADE88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018/stpr-2018-01-31.xsd#stpr_MA" xlink:label="loc_stpr_MA_86F2DDEFE9D13C0A76843D0322AA0DAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionDomain_21F09D7E1B0C3199305A3D0322AADE88" xlink:to="loc_stpr_MA_86F2DDEFE9D13C0A76843D0322AA0DAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty_DF035D85C5DAFFD5E6553D0322ABDE5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_78335181EAEB9BF8A86C3D0322ABF7DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty_DF035D85C5DAFFD5E6553D0322ABDE5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtValue_6861E7261521454C48713D0322AB0D6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_78335181EAEB9BF8A86C3D0322ABF7DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtValue_6861E7261521454C48713D0322AB0D6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfStores" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfStores_59BD292DBBE87A220B333D0322ACC84E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_78335181EAEB9BF8A86C3D0322ABF7DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfStores_59BD292DBBE87A220B333D0322ACC84E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/ContingenciesNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/DocumentAndCompanyInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareEarningsPerCommonShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_933654758BDF1EA4505841BBD81904BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_6918F260DE90CB4CE6D841BBD817D23A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_933654758BDF1EA4505841BBD81904BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_6918F260DE90CB4CE6D841BBD817D23A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_041BB9334F73DA8BB63841BBD817DD52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_6918F260DE90CB4CE6D841BBD817D23A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_041BB9334F73DA8BB63841BBD817DD52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_D80F3BB44F93BBF3FC1F41BBD81825EC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_041BB9334F73DA8BB63841BBD817DD52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_D80F3BB44F93BBF3FC1F41BBD81825EC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_D80F3BB44F93BBF3FC1F41BBD81825EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_041BB9334F73DA8BB63841BBD817DD52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_D80F3BB44F93BBF3FC1F41BBD81825EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_E79B1BAE4E8E6B73335A41BBD8187ADC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_D80F3BB44F93BBF3FC1F41BBD81825EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_E79B1BAE4E8E6B73335A41BBD8187ADC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_C130B08884742612823441BBD818BEAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_D80F3BB44F93BBF3FC1F41BBD81825EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_C130B08884742612823441BBD818BEAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_DC324D9E50D747569A9E41BBD81849C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_6918F260DE90CB4CE6D841BBD817D23A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_DC324D9E50D747569A9E41BBD81849C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4E786A2D1C9905C6FFBD41BBD8186AD9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_DC324D9E50D747569A9E41BBD81849C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4E786A2D1C9905C6FFBD41BBD8186AD9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4E786A2D1C9905C6FFBD41BBD8186AD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_DC324D9E50D747569A9E41BBD81849C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4E786A2D1C9905C6FFBD41BBD8186AD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_6569A3E97BD8B2F12D9D41BBD819DEEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4E786A2D1C9905C6FFBD41BBD8186AD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_6569A3E97BD8B2F12D9D41BBD819DEEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_BDF9D57E54AC0CCB920741BBD81908ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_6918F260DE90CB4CE6D841BBD817D23A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_BDF9D57E54AC0CCB920741BBD81908ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3345EB2B758DBB36148B41BBD8191653_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_BDF9D57E54AC0CCB920741BBD81908ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3345EB2B758DBB36148B41BBD8191653_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3345EB2B758DBB36148B41BBD8191653" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_BDF9D57E54AC0CCB920741BBD81908ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3345EB2B758DBB36148B41BBD8191653" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_EA42DF8367F1D38FCF7141D251EAE302" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_933654758BDF1EA4505841BBD81904BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_EA42DF8367F1D38FCF7141D251EAE302" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_99E75A31E9A0CB96767C41D291028081" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_933654758BDF1EA4505841BBD81904BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_99E75A31E9A0CB96767C41D291028081" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_91EE7C08A33BF70A5FD641D2B5CC31A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_933654758BDF1EA4505841BBD81904BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_91EE7C08A33BF70A5FD641D2B5CC31A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_0A8A8FA2C5D2B35052B541D2910384E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_933654758BDF1EA4505841BBD81904BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_0A8A8FA2C5D2B35052B541D2910384E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_95F6A13B9CD6A00BFC3D41D2628650E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_933654758BDF1EA4505841BBD81904BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_95F6A13B9CD6A00BFC3D41D2628650E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_48B67FA8ABC722FDBDBC41BBD81B2735" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_933654758BDF1EA4505841BBD81904BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_48B67FA8ABC722FDBDBC41BBD81B2735" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_F19E461DB45711C7AD2541BBD81C75CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_933654758BDF1EA4505841BBD81904BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_F19E461DB45711C7AD2541BBD81C75CC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/FairValueNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/LeasesLeasesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_2CD4400C0105E1BCDBA43D0323753665" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_2CD4400C0105E1BCDBA43D0323753665" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_ExpensetypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_rcii_ExpensetypeAxis_26419E39A9E164D44A9E3D0323763B14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_2CD4400C0105E1BCDBA43D0323753665" xlink:to="loc_rcii_ExpensetypeAxis_26419E39A9E164D44A9E3D0323763B14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_ExpensetypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_rcii_ExpensetypeDomain_BA24591FA76B87BAE8AC3D0323763D02_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_rcii_ExpensetypeAxis_26419E39A9E164D44A9E3D0323763B14" xlink:to="loc_rcii_ExpensetypeDomain_BA24591FA76B87BAE8AC3D0323763D02_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_ExpensetypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_rcii_ExpensetypeDomain_BA24591FA76B87BAE8AC3D0323763D02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_rcii_ExpensetypeAxis_26419E39A9E164D44A9E3D0323763B14" xlink:to="loc_rcii_ExpensetypeDomain_BA24591FA76B87BAE8AC3D0323763D02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_OtherstoreexpensesMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_OtherstoreexpensesMember_86481C9D0D24291C32003D0323765E39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_ExpensetypeDomain_BA24591FA76B87BAE8AC3D0323763D02" xlink:to="loc_rcii_OtherstoreexpensesMember_86481C9D0D24291C32003D0323765E39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_OtherchargesMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_OtherchargesMember_E670B184702D21FBD35F3D032377EDCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_ExpensetypeDomain_BA24591FA76B87BAE8AC3D0323763D02" xlink:to="loc_rcii_OtherchargesMember_E670B184702D21FBD35F3D032377EDCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCost_4C69EACF257FF20729EC3D0323772C30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCost_4C69EACF257FF20729EC3D0323772C30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubleaseIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubleaseIncome_015B7AFC1D94A38EA75C3D032377B6BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubleaseIncome_015B7AFC1D94A38EA75C3D032377B6BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_5BE30A690A50F4CE191A3D0323771FF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_5BE30A690A50F4CE191A3D0323771FF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost_8CDBFE466438F1BA05473D032378E027" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost_8CDBFE466438F1BA05473D032378E027" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_834594DD95B9671B39EE3D032378E114" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_834594DD95B9671B39EE3D032378E114" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_B966E1374B120653EB033D03237822B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_B966E1374B120653EB033D03237822B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_Weightedaverageremainingleaseterm" xlink:label="loc_rcii_Weightedaverageremainingleaseterm_828A72C26D95580A6F933D032378F16F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_rcii_Weightedaverageremainingleaseterm_828A72C26D95580A6F933D032378F16F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_9B05E5648AE74A3F47083D0323782579" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_9B05E5648AE74A3F47083D0323782579" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_B808F63EA8D0FC438FF93D032379F652" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_B808F63EA8D0FC438FF93D032379F652" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_6284EB4214222242D14F3D0323793537" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_6284EB4214222242D14F3D0323793537" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_59C268D538EB9D0333773D032379ECB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_59C268D538EB9D0333773D032379ECB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive_A541DDEDD71AEBD8F5C23D0323792F2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive_A541DDEDD71AEBD8F5C23D0323792F2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_9F15FD203D4D479BE0E53D03237932CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_9F15FD203D4D479BE0E53D03237932CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_5BD005607D493B6A34093D0323793C15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_5BD005607D493B6A34093D0323793C15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_C9CC21E426D2AF92186C3D03237A16E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_C9CC21E426D2AF92186C3D03237A16E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_D11670595614BB88366C3D03237A04B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_D11670595614BB88366C3D03237A04B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_72325023E3884E20F5C53D03237A574A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_72325023E3884E20F5C53D03237A574A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_3D657FAE89C579EB609F3D03237A3861" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_3D657FAE89C579EB609F3D03237A3861" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_A1DE4306056D920D10E23D03237A44E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_A1DE4306056D920D10E23D03237A44E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_AC5981B80B2FE4F145E53D03237BA3DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_AC5981B80B2FE4F145E53D03237BA3DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_B58D4FD9F742BD41A0FF3D03237B3B4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_B58D4FD9F742BD41A0FF3D03237B3B4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_AFAEA85F0404D501CE693D03237B3098" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_AFAEA85F0404D501CE693D03237B3098" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_00DCDD6E53B32ADDD8AC3D03237B1F40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_145BFDF953D59E1C3D493D0323777F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_00DCDD6E53B32ADDD8AC3D03237B1F40" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/LeasesLeasesNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/LeasesLeasesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/OtherChargesAndGainsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B415FA2853374D566678427382FCDF74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_49BE691C943FC28DCB9F427382F71AEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B415FA2853374D566678427382FCDF74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_49BE691C943FC28DCB9F427382F71AEB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_1EA633BCAC9BE3862A48427382F81B48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_49BE691C943FC28DCB9F427382F71AEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_1EA633BCAC9BE3862A48427382F81B48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_86A6F03DB609B1715E92427382F80B76_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_1EA633BCAC9BE3862A48427382F81B48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_86A6F03DB609B1715E92427382F80B76_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_86A6F03DB609B1715E92427382F80B76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_1EA633BCAC9BE3862A48427382F81B48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_86A6F03DB609B1715E92427382F80B76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_CostSavingsInitiativeMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_CostSavingsInitiativeMember_A734C058138A144869BE427382F82E34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_86A6F03DB609B1715E92427382F80B76" xlink:to="loc_rcii_CostSavingsInitiativeMember_A734C058138A144869BE427382F82E34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_StoreConsolidationPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_StoreConsolidationPlanMember_C8A072C8CCCD8DCEB408427382F96010" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_86A6F03DB609B1715E92427382F80B76" xlink:to="loc_rcii_StoreConsolidationPlanMember_C8A072C8CCCD8DCEB408427382F96010" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F1DD75CBF27B28A8254E427382F9AD7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_49BE691C943FC28DCB9F427382F71AEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F1DD75CBF27B28A8254E427382F9AD7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2BEE594B977FD9BBDB96427382F9AB74_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F1DD75CBF27B28A8254E427382F9AD7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2BEE594B977FD9BBDB96427382F9AB74_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2BEE594B977FD9BBDB96427382F9AB74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F1DD75CBF27B28A8254E427382F9AD7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2BEE594B977FD9BBDB96427382F9AB74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_CoreUsMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_CoreUsMember_05154F6AF08F286D2CA2427382F90EBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2BEE594B977FD9BBDB96427382F9AB74" xlink:to="loc_rcii_CoreUsMember_05154F6AF08F286D2CA2427382F90EBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_MexicoMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_MexicoMember_5FAE0EB0C26D2C52D3DC427382FAA6C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2BEE594B977FD9BBDB96427382F9AB74" xlink:to="loc_rcii_MexicoMember_5FAE0EB0C26D2C52D3DC427382FAA6C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_AcceptanceNowMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_AcceptanceNowMember_F0FB6648FF401746561A427454F1ACC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2BEE594B977FD9BBDB96427382F9AB74" xlink:to="loc_rcii_AcceptanceNowMember_F0FB6648FF401746561A427454F1ACC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_D72D847BCFE2D2377AA7427382FA334D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_49BE691C943FC28DCB9F427382F71AEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_D72D847BCFE2D2377AA7427382FA334D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_A5844358841224E3B452427382FA8BD3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_D72D847BCFE2D2377AA7427382FA334D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_A5844358841224E3B452427382FA8BD3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_A5844358841224E3B452427382FA8BD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_D72D847BCFE2D2377AA7427382FA334D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_A5844358841224E3B452427382FA8BD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_7E0F4ADCD152F83E6433427382FAC104" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_A5844358841224E3B452427382FA8BD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_7E0F4ADCD152F83E6433427382FAC104" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember_B02FED10BF36135179CC427382FB04EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_A5844358841224E3B452427382FA8BD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember_B02FED10BF36135179CC427382FB04EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember_8EF193B66D9C28F7DF1F427382FBF0FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_A5844358841224E3B452427382FA8BD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember_8EF193B66D9C28F7DF1F427382FBF0FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember_742ACF268FB9EB38B5DB427382FB0556" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_A5844358841224E3B452427382FA8BD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember_742ACF268FB9EB38B5DB427382FB0556" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_DisposaloffixedassetsMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_DisposaloffixedassetsMember_50BB82F5A3007130B0EB427382FBAC63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_A5844358841224E3B452427382FA8BD3" xlink:to="loc_rcii_DisposaloffixedassetsMember_50BB82F5A3007130B0EB427382FBAC63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_CapitalizedsoftwarewritedownMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_CapitalizedsoftwarewritedownMember_73265387823E752A9C75427382FB5F67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_A5844358841224E3B452427382FA8BD3" xlink:to="loc_rcii_CapitalizedsoftwarewritedownMember_73265387823E752A9C75427382FB5F67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_AC90DC95A9D67D72A9F0427382FCF54A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B415FA2853374D566678427382FCDF74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_AC90DC95A9D67D72A9F0427382FCF54A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_EF1302DC0D177A7747D5427382FC6066" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_AC90DC95A9D67D72A9F0427382FCF54A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_EF1302DC0D177A7747D5427382FC6066" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_6C0D44213AF241BE7304427383028E65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_AC90DC95A9D67D72A9F0427382FCF54A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_6C0D44213AF241BE7304427383028E65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_60391B63A910446BC595427383029CDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_AC90DC95A9D67D72A9F0427382FCF54A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_60391B63A910446BC595427383029CDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss_51820B346D655A5B479B4273830223E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B415FA2853374D566678427382FCDF74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss_51820B346D655A5B479B4273830223E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlement" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlement_ACF262767BA38938088742738303A4D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B415FA2853374D566678427382FCDF74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlement_ACF262767BA38938088742738303A4D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_AB873E1ADDE1A79901A642738303048D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B415FA2853374D566678427382FCDF74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_AB873E1ADDE1A79901A642738303048D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_StoreConsolidationPlanNumberofStoresClosed" xlink:label="loc_rcii_StoreConsolidationPlanNumberofStoresClosed_1ECC13AB2313789623F642738303C632" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B415FA2853374D566678427382FCDF74" xlink:to="loc_rcii_StoreConsolidationPlanNumberofStoresClosed_1ECC13AB2313789623F642738303C632" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLegalSettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLegalSettlements_8688C1D2C7649DADA12142738303D3B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B415FA2853374D566678427382FCDF74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLegalSettlements_8688C1D2C7649DADA12142738303D3B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_ProceedsfromLegalSettlementNetofLegalFees" xlink:label="loc_rcii_ProceedsfromLegalSettlementNetofLegalFees_5907AB8B2FCFD3FDB109427383039F08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B415FA2853374D566678427382FCDF74" xlink:to="loc_rcii_ProceedsfromLegalSettlementNetofLegalFees_5907AB8B2FCFD3FDB109427383039F08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonrecurringIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonrecurringIncomeExpense_814AA7EEA2B14F1E0DA7427383043298" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B415FA2853374D566678427382FCDF74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonrecurringIncomeExpense_814AA7EEA2B14F1E0DA7427383043298" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/OtherChargesAndGainsNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/OtherChargesAndGainsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/ReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_38275BD777A02F06E7643DAFDC8197B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_21A6065742E42A2666AE3DAFDC7F1FF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_38275BD777A02F06E7643DAFDC8197B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_21A6065742E42A2666AE3DAFDC7F1FF2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_7F814C9DBA2609110CA23DAFDC80DE54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_21A6065742E42A2666AE3DAFDC7F1FF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_7F814C9DBA2609110CA23DAFDC80DE54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_443A42FD3419AFF210173DAFDC80580A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_7F814C9DBA2609110CA23DAFDC80DE54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_443A42FD3419AFF210173DAFDC80580A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_443A42FD3419AFF210173DAFDC80580A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_7F814C9DBA2609110CA23DAFDC80DE54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_443A42FD3419AFF210173DAFDC80580A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_InstallmentSalesReceivableMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_InstallmentSalesReceivableMember_AFAC0E0EFBA520560D1A3DAFDC80BD66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_443A42FD3419AFF210173DAFDC80580A" xlink:to="loc_rcii_InstallmentSalesReceivableMember_AFAC0E0EFBA520560D1A3DAFDC80BD66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_TradeandNotesReceivablesMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_TradeandNotesReceivablesMember_8E8E0C3FA0C84E48F6553DAFDC816608" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_443A42FD3419AFF210173DAFDC80580A" xlink:to="loc_rcii_TradeandNotesReceivablesMember_8E8E0C3FA0C84E48F6553DAFDC816608" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGross_922A54F81EF705C304FA3DAFDC818596" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_38275BD777A02F06E7643DAFDC8197B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGross_922A54F81EF705C304FA3DAFDC818596" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet_DFBBD71038DCACA891833DAFDC81634A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_38275BD777A02F06E7643DAFDC8197B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet_DFBBD71038DCACA891833DAFDC81634A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_3C445A5BE5C7440F84AE3DAFDC81C127" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_38275BD777A02F06E7643DAFDC8197B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_3C445A5BE5C7440F84AE3DAFDC81C127" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_7A5D884933934AB5977C3DAFDC828DD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_3C445A5BE5C7440F84AE3DAFDC81C127" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_7A5D884933934AB5977C3DAFDC828DD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_Provisionfordoubtfulaccountsbaddebtexpense" xlink:label="loc_rcii_Provisionfordoubtfulaccountsbaddebtexpense_0237D62284D335A029FA3DAFDC82AE70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_3C445A5BE5C7440F84AE3DAFDC81C127" xlink:to="loc_rcii_Provisionfordoubtfulaccountsbaddebtexpense_0237D62284D335A029FA3DAFDC82AE70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_Provisionforreturnsanduncollectedrenewalpayments" xlink:label="loc_rcii_Provisionforreturnsanduncollectedrenewalpayments_33FD4B5064261D913F023DAFDC82F1AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_3C445A5BE5C7440F84AE3DAFDC81C127" xlink:to="loc_rcii_Provisionforreturnsanduncollectedrenewalpayments_33FD4B5064261D913F023DAFDC82F1AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableWriteOffs" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableWriteOffs_F628D55180FF6DE937BF3DAFDC837A1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_3C445A5BE5C7440F84AE3DAFDC81C127" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableWriteOffs_F628D55180FF6DE937BF3DAFDC837A1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRecoveries" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRecoveries_EF5B6EFF28E48AE5EFB13DAFDC83F3D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_3C445A5BE5C7440F84AE3DAFDC81C127" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRecoveries_EF5B6EFF28E48AE5EFB13DAFDC83F3D4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/ReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/ReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablesAndAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/RevenuesRevenuesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_F98076185249145D02EA3D0323A4AA33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_A6970CF1499D8A7B6FDF3D0323A06074" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_F98076185249145D02EA3D0323A4AA33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_A6970CF1499D8A7B6FDF3D0323A06074" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1405766F54C3942605ED3D0323A1543B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_A6970CF1499D8A7B6FDF3D0323A06074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1405766F54C3942605ED3D0323A1543B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C0B5E434BA49A0A518423D0323A1B1E7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1405766F54C3942605ED3D0323A1543B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C0B5E434BA49A0A518423D0323A1B1E7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C0B5E434BA49A0A518423D0323A1B1E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1405766F54C3942605ED3D0323A1543B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C0B5E434BA49A0A518423D0323A1B1E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_CoreUsMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_CoreUsMember_52D99FFFBE6A698220963D0323A1FD92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C0B5E434BA49A0A518423D0323A1B1E7" xlink:to="loc_rcii_CoreUsMember_52D99FFFBE6A698220963D0323A1FD92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_AcceptanceNowMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_AcceptanceNowMember_70955903769C53460DB43D0323A242E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C0B5E434BA49A0A518423D0323A1B1E7" xlink:to="loc_rcii_AcceptanceNowMember_70955903769C53460DB43D0323A242E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_MexicoMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_MexicoMember_2EFAC7900492F757BA6A3D0323A287AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C0B5E434BA49A0A518423D0323A1B1E7" xlink:to="loc_rcii_MexicoMember_2EFAC7900492F757BA6A3D0323A287AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_FranchisingMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_FranchisingMember_9F80BC832BDD1D01044A3D0323A24D3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C0B5E434BA49A0A518423D0323A1B1E7" xlink:to="loc_rcii_FranchisingMember_9F80BC832BDD1D01044A3D0323A24D3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis_572163DCD05C42DE91313D0323A3720F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_A6970CF1499D8A7B6FDF3D0323A06074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis_572163DCD05C42DE91313D0323A3720F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_47BCF3250DACAD7073043D0323A3AE03_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis_572163DCD05C42DE91313D0323A3720F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_47BCF3250DACAD7073043D0323A3AE03_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_47BCF3250DACAD7073043D0323A3AE03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis_572163DCD05C42DE91313D0323A3720F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_47BCF3250DACAD7073043D0323A3AE03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_RentalpurchaseagreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_RentalpurchaseagreementsMember_61568CADC524CE8A30BB3D0323A381D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_47BCF3250DACAD7073043D0323A3AE03" xlink:to="loc_rcii_RentalpurchaseagreementsMember_61568CADC524CE8A30BB3D0323A381D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_OtherproductplansMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_OtherproductplansMember_B11218958271B34E46E93D0323A3DC59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_47BCF3250DACAD7073043D0323A3AE03" xlink:to="loc_rcii_OtherproductplansMember_B11218958271B34E46E93D0323A3DC59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_FranchisefeesMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_FranchisefeesMember_F52841E008EBFA6B636F3D0323A485E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_47BCF3250DACAD7073043D0323A3AE03" xlink:to="loc_rcii_FranchisefeesMember_F52841E008EBFA6B636F3D0323A485E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_RentalsAndFees" xlink:label="loc_rcii_RentalsAndFees_131F95B35C85814D67363D0323A48BCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_F98076185249145D02EA3D0323A4AA33" xlink:to="loc_rcii_RentalsAndFees_131F95B35C85814D67363D0323A48BCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_MerchandiseSales" xlink:label="loc_rcii_MerchandiseSales_C5AA4252E6B6FC9786BF3D0323A590C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_F98076185249145D02EA3D0323A4AA33" xlink:to="loc_rcii_MerchandiseSales_C5AA4252E6B6FC9786BF3D0323A590C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_InstallmentSales" xlink:label="loc_rcii_InstallmentSales_A4E0B95AE3D7BDFC63413D0323A50DAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_F98076185249145D02EA3D0323A4AA33" xlink:to="loc_rcii_InstallmentSales_A4E0B95AE3D7BDFC63413D0323A50DAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_OtherStoreRevenue" xlink:label="loc_rcii_OtherStoreRevenue_6242001588FA69AF3BB93D0323A5EEB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_F98076185249145D02EA3D0323A4AA33" xlink:to="loc_rcii_OtherStoreRevenue_6242001588FA69AF3BB93D0323A5EEB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_Storerevenues" xlink:label="loc_rcii_Storerevenues_8343FF49297F7B9F13043D0323A54AC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_F98076185249145D02EA3D0323A4AA33" xlink:to="loc_rcii_Storerevenues_8343FF49297F7B9F13043D0323A54AC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_FranchiseMerchandiseSales" xlink:label="loc_rcii_FranchiseMerchandiseSales_9F82F85B65158DC763723D0323A61D00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_F98076185249145D02EA3D0323A4AA33" xlink:to="loc_rcii_FranchiseMerchandiseSales_9F82F85B65158DC763723D0323A61D00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_FranchiseRoyaltyIncomeAndFees" xlink:label="loc_rcii_FranchiseRoyaltyIncomeAndFees_83B85AF48F0DC8BCAF5E3D0323A66968" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_F98076185249145D02EA3D0323A4AA33" xlink:to="loc_rcii_FranchiseRoyaltyIncomeAndFees_83B85AF48F0DC8BCAF5E3D0323A66968" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_BAB54EEF188A6B52C9BA3D0323A6648D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_F98076185249145D02EA3D0323A4AA33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_BAB54EEF188A6B52C9BA3D0323A6648D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenue_9CDE0AAB8CBB77B8A3463D0323A67E6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_F98076185249145D02EA3D0323A4AA33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenue_9CDE0AAB8CBB77B8A3463D0323A67E6D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/RevenuesRevenuesNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/RevenuesRevenuesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BB43E8D08D5B9360D42E41EF01D4FEEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_BD5F63906B8E28E3390241EF01D17653" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BB43E8D08D5B9360D42E41EF01D4FEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_BD5F63906B8E28E3390241EF01D17653" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B6815213E0F78F1A0CFC41EF180EE49B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_BD5F63906B8E28E3390241EF01D17653" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B6815213E0F78F1A0CFC41EF180EE49B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2620A0150FDF3E0F82B641EF18A12E16_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B6815213E0F78F1A0CFC41EF180EE49B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2620A0150FDF3E0F82B641EF18A12E16_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2620A0150FDF3E0F82B641EF18A12E16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B6815213E0F78F1A0CFC41EF180EE49B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2620A0150FDF3E0F82B641EF18A12E16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_MerchantsPreferredMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_MerchantsPreferredMember_0F13D3A9DCE70FC115F041EF1868C300" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2620A0150FDF3E0F82B641EF18A12E16" xlink:to="loc_rcii_MerchantsPreferredMember_0F13D3A9DCE70FC115F041EF1868C300" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_4B358CC480277114E84741EF01D15568" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_BD5F63906B8E28E3390241EF01D17653" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_4B358CC480277114E84741EF01D15568" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_275A9F0E05A7B193918A41EF01D17A70_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_4B358CC480277114E84741EF01D15568" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_275A9F0E05A7B193918A41EF01D17A70_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_275A9F0E05A7B193918A41EF01D17A70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_4B358CC480277114E84741EF01D15568" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_275A9F0E05A7B193918A41EF01D17A70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_D3097804F17EADF5DA9F41EF01D22811" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_275A9F0E05A7B193918A41EF01D17A70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_D3097804F17EADF5DA9F41EF01D22811" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_CEF82D1C579AEF1687E141EF01D2399E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_275A9F0E05A7B193918A41EF01D17A70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_CEF82D1C579AEF1687E141EF01D2399E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6CF31F88D324B512C81F41EF01D2C1BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_BD5F63906B8E28E3390241EF01D17653" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6CF31F88D324B512C81F41EF01D2C1BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CDA42E02BB0E817DA2E541EF01D23D1B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6CF31F88D324B512C81F41EF01D2C1BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CDA42E02BB0E817DA2E541EF01D23D1B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CDA42E02BB0E817DA2E541EF01D23D1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6CF31F88D324B512C81F41EF01D2C1BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CDA42E02BB0E817DA2E541EF01D23D1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_CoreUsMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_CoreUsMember_AFC856A1A165FE71FE1541EF01D336AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CDA42E02BB0E817DA2E541EF01D23D1B" xlink:to="loc_rcii_CoreUsMember_AFC856A1A165FE71FE1541EF01D336AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_AcceptanceNowMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_AcceptanceNowMember_B333CE6E1E968BDB2BDD41EF01D390E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CDA42E02BB0E817DA2E541EF01D23D1B" xlink:to="loc_rcii_AcceptanceNowMember_B333CE6E1E968BDB2BDD41EF01D390E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_MexicoMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_MexicoMember_C0B8081DB89F83E7919641EF01D39958" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CDA42E02BB0E817DA2E541EF01D23D1B" xlink:to="loc_rcii_MexicoMember_C0B8081DB89F83E7919641EF01D39958" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_FranchisingMember" xlink:label="loc_rcii_FranchisingMember_72C43E8317465DE286F441EF01D3DD12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CDA42E02BB0E817DA2E541EF01D23D1B" xlink:to="loc_rcii_FranchisingMember_72C43E8317465DE286F441EF01D3DD12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_2C3FA5B045556460AE1241EF01D49023" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BB43E8D08D5B9360D42E41EF01D4FEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_2C3FA5B045556460AE1241EF01D49023" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrossProfit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_277B5031109CA1D9F40641EF01D4D9DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BB43E8D08D5B9360D42E41EF01D4FEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_277B5031109CA1D9F40641EF01D4D9DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_65C4AC2593D255A5B40941EF01D48D90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BB43E8D08D5B9360D42E41EF01D4FEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_65C4AC2593D255A5B40941EF01D48D90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_DepreciationAmortizationandWritedownofIntangibles" xlink:label="loc_rcii_DepreciationAmortizationandWritedownofIntangibles_70662D196CA19B01B27541EF01D5C2CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BB43E8D08D5B9360D42E41EF01D4FEEB" xlink:to="loc_rcii_DepreciationAmortizationandWritedownofIntangibles_70662D196CA19B01B27541EF01D5C2CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_AE2B8EEF650F4179E2CF41EF01D566CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BB43E8D08D5B9360D42E41EF01D4FEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_AE2B8EEF650F4179E2CF41EF01D566CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_RentalMerchandiseOnRentNet" xlink:label="loc_rcii_RentalMerchandiseOnRentNet_041C3D8E2FDD2D72E2A441EF01D5E8FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BB43E8D08D5B9360D42E41EF01D4FEEB" xlink:to="loc_rcii_RentalMerchandiseOnRentNet_041C3D8E2FDD2D72E2A441EF01D5E8FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_RentalMerchandiseHeldForRentNet" xlink:label="loc_rcii_RentalMerchandiseHeldForRentNet_7C5F599CB223A65DDFBB41EF01D5E1F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BB43E8D08D5B9360D42E41EF01D4FEEB" xlink:to="loc_rcii_RentalMerchandiseHeldForRentNet_7C5F599CB223A65DDFBB41EF01D5E1F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_06E44394ADE3981390D441EF01D5BFB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BB43E8D08D5B9360D42E41EF01D4FEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_06E44394ADE3981390D441EF01D5BFB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_064A08FCDEE3CDA4A76841EF166A5296" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BB43E8D08D5B9360D42E41EF01D4FEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_064A08FCDEE3CDA4A76841EF166A5296" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/SegmentInformationNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/SeniorDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_415898540A5120E98684428BC954C2BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_415898540A5120E98684428BC954C2BA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_6525BB615C4F6E21BD1F428BC9548CD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_415898540A5120E98684428BC954C2BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_6525BB615C4F6E21BD1F428BC9548CD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F03397A3195C5C1A881C428BC9542E19_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_6525BB615C4F6E21BD1F428BC9548CD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F03397A3195C5C1A881C428BC9542E19_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F03397A3195C5C1A881C428BC9542E19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_6525BB615C4F6E21BD1F428BC9548CD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F03397A3195C5C1A881C428BC9542E19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorLoansMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorLoansMember_7A873A65BEFAE8CCFA08428BC9545E50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F03397A3195C5C1A881C428BC9542E19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorLoansMember_7A873A65BEFAE8CCFA08428BC9545E50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_A4DCF34277860ED621B2428BC955C6EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F03397A3195C5C1A881C428BC9542E19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_A4DCF34277860ED621B2428BC955C6EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_1A42336567F3FC797469428BC955DC68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_415898540A5120E98684428BC954C2BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_1A42336567F3FC797469428BC955DC68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_40700ACD5AD0B8AC0D3A428BC955D80A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_1A42336567F3FC797469428BC955DC68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_40700ACD5AD0B8AC0D3A428BC955D80A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_40700ACD5AD0B8AC0D3A428BC955D80A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_1A42336567F3FC797469428BC955DC68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_40700ACD5AD0B8AC0D3A428BC955D80A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EurodollarMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EurodollarMember_227AB7FAC2B5811B71DC428BC9554010" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_40700ACD5AD0B8AC0D3A428BC955D80A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EurodollarMember_227AB7FAC2B5811B71DC428BC9554010" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_CA74AFE9117CE629D71D428BC956CB33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_415898540A5120E98684428BC954C2BA" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_CA74AFE9117CE629D71D428BC956CB33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_DB0C943B3304A0C126CA428BC956D67D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_CA74AFE9117CE629D71D428BC956CB33" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_DB0C943B3304A0C126CA428BC956D67D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_DB0C943B3304A0C126CA428BC956D67D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_CA74AFE9117CE629D71D428BC956CB33" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_DB0C943B3304A0C126CA428BC956D67D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_6CFA8550AF09294C3CC4428BC9566845" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_DB0C943B3304A0C126CA428BC956D67D" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_6CFA8550AF09294C3CC4428BC9566845" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_C135AB7E5D65C8202569428BC9575858" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_DB0C943B3304A0C126CA428BC956D67D" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_C135AB7E5D65C8202569428BC9575858" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_92292EF5FF602EB2514C428BC957F34B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_92292EF5FF602EB2514C428BC957F34B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_Originalissuediscount" xlink:label="loc_rcii_Originalissuediscount_E7A79A89A5CA030B9984428BC95778AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_rcii_Originalissuediscount_E7A79A89A5CA030B9984428BC95778AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross_DFB01FD6EC89F33FEC4B428BC957024C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross_DFB01FD6EC89F33FEC4B428BC957024C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_F19F5785B65BD64C0DCD428BC9585654" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_F19F5785B65BD64C0DCD428BC9585654" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_Unamortizeddiscount" xlink:label="loc_rcii_Unamortizeddiscount_64C5F165A15D41E9A377428BC9584390" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_rcii_Unamortizeddiscount_64C5F165A15D41E9A377428BC9584390" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_A09EA8F4E6BA815FB564428BC958419E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_A09EA8F4E6BA815FB564428BC958419E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_9F641B429441C63DD343428BC958D0AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_9F641B429441C63DD343428BC958D0AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFrequencyOfPeriodicPayment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFrequencyOfPeriodicPayment_7918E623D5E2C044DCA4428BC958D59D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFrequencyOfPeriodicPayment_7918E623D5E2C044DCA4428BC958D59D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPercent" xlink:label="loc_rcii_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPercent_9600CB41D61F26702A00428BC9582BE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_rcii_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPercent_9600CB41D61F26702A00428BC9582BE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_724ECF4A4D010483BABC428BC95951E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_724ECF4A4D010483BABC428BC95951E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_2B43C010B4C179E6EC8D428BC9590BBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_2B43C010B4C179E6EC8D428BC9590BBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnusedBorrowingCapacityAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnusedBorrowingCapacityAmount_37BA4FCDF1CF1D464603428BC959CD98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnusedBorrowingCapacityAmount_37BA4FCDF1CF1D464603428BC959CD98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_Requiredconsolidatedseniorsecuredleverageratiominimum" xlink:label="loc_rcii_Requiredconsolidatedseniorsecuredleverageratiominimum_10A6478CB2DD21344D3E428BC9596667" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_rcii_Requiredconsolidatedseniorsecuredleverageratiominimum_10A6478CB2DD21344D3E428BC9596667" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_Requiredminimumconsolidatedfixedchargecoverageratio" xlink:label="loc_rcii_Requiredminimumconsolidatedfixedchargecoverageratio_7E7A2E9E5F1D424AACA3428BC959F51F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_rcii_Requiredminimumconsolidatedfixedchargecoverageratio_7E7A2E9E5F1D424AACA3428BC959F51F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_78A63DF67EEC2C66049E428BC959B6FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_78A63DF67EEC2C66049E428BC959B6FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount_0AFC82ACD9B9DFF4A3E6428BC95A13E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount_0AFC82ACD9B9DFF4A3E6428BC95A13E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_LineofCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_rcii_LineofCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity_B0ABFC0C48131B079F08428BC95A4B1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_rcii_LineofCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity_B0ABFC0C48131B079F08428BC95A4B1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_Requiredminimumproformafixedchargecoverageratio" xlink:label="loc_rcii_Requiredminimumproformafixedchargecoverageratio_C18C4C81673EDE4A3F30428BC95AFEAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DD8DAFBD7A7145C1E862428BC957A53C" xlink:to="loc_rcii_Requiredminimumproformafixedchargecoverageratio_C18C4C81673EDE4A3F30428BC95AFEAD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/SeniorDebtNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/SeniorNotesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_SeniorNotesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesLineItems_BC4C2C7894AFB3702A583C2CE0504CC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_SeniorNotesTable" xlink:label="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesTable_92017C72CC983BFBBE9B3C2CE04AFDCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesLineItems_BC4C2C7894AFB3702A583C2CE0504CC8" xlink:to="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesTable_92017C72CC983BFBBE9B3C2CE04AFDCA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_SeniorNotesAxis" xlink:label="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesAxis_76FD8F0F69E2323979903C2CE04B47ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesTable_92017C72CC983BFBBE9B3C2CE04AFDCA" xlink:to="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesAxis_76FD8F0F69E2323979903C2CE04B47ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_SeniorNotesDomain" xlink:label="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesDomain_549672B1FA322C93B4763C2CE04DD80D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesAxis_76FD8F0F69E2323979903C2CE04B47ED" xlink:to="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesDomain_549672B1FA322C93B4763C2CE04DD80D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_SeniorNotesDomain" xlink:label="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesDomain_549672B1FA322C93B4763C2CE04DD80D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesAxis_76FD8F0F69E2323979903C2CE04B47ED" xlink:to="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesDomain_549672B1FA322C93B4763C2CE04DD80D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_SeniorNotesDue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesDue2020Member_72CFC712510CEC14470B3C2CE04D7C72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesDomain_549672B1FA322C93B4763C2CE04DD80D" xlink:to="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesDue2020Member_72CFC712510CEC14470B3C2CE04D7C72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_SeniorNotesDue2021Member" xlink:label="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesDue2021Member_81B740C518A55AA1C7383C2CE04FEC92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesDomain_549672B1FA322C93B4763C2CE04DD80D" xlink:to="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesDue2021Member_81B740C518A55AA1C7383C2CE04FEC92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_D9D4776F48E9EB6C9A4C3C2CE0506056" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesLineItems_BC4C2C7894AFB3702A583C2CE0504CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_D9D4776F48E9EB6C9A4C3C2CE0506056" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed_778BA6BD1FA4391E26A43C2CE051B906" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesLineItems_BC4C2C7894AFB3702A583C2CE0504CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed_778BA6BD1FA4391E26A43C2CE051B906" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherBorrowings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherBorrowings_5D75533B1B79131140393C2CE051FAB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesLineItems_BC4C2C7894AFB3702A583C2CE0504CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherBorrowings_5D75533B1B79131140393C2CE051FAB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAmortizationOfDeferredCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAmortizationOfDeferredCharges_A33A963D8DA85F9B34743C2CE051CD30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rcii_SeniorNotesLineItems_BC4C2C7894AFB3702A583C2CE0504CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAmortizationOfDeferredCharges_A33A963D8DA85F9B34743C2CE051CD30" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/SeniorNotesNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F9830DD4088ABE9AD6B53C6691A1E964" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_F63511763535D95FEF2F3C6691A11E92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F9830DD4088ABE9AD6B53C6691A1E964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_F63511763535D95FEF2F3C6691A11E92" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E6770E792B93946D39573C6691A1FD46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_F63511763535D95FEF2F3C6691A11E92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E6770E792B93946D39573C6691A1FD46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8C6CF9474EEA963F8D8B3C6691A158B1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E6770E792B93946D39573C6691A1FD46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8C6CF9474EEA963F8D8B3C6691A158B1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8C6CF9474EEA963F8D8B3C6691A158B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E6770E792B93946D39573C6691A1FD46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8C6CF9474EEA963F8D8B3C6691A158B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_29E91FD945182759E3C33C6691A1F9F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8C6CF9474EEA963F8D8B3C6691A158B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_29E91FD945182759E3C33C6691A1F9F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_D09FB388E3608690F3433C6691A19FB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8C6CF9474EEA963F8D8B3C6691A158B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_D09FB388E3608690F3433C6691A19FB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_5582B9DE272CFD5BE0633C6691A1C1F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_F63511763535D95FEF2F3C6691A11E92" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_5582B9DE272CFD5BE0633C6691A1C1F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_576FEDAE93407125874E3C6691A18EE2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_5582B9DE272CFD5BE0633C6691A1C1F6" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_576FEDAE93407125874E3C6691A18EE2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_576FEDAE93407125874E3C6691A18EE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_5582B9DE272CFD5BE0633C6691A1C1F6" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_576FEDAE93407125874E3C6691A18EE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_D537BAE6EFBEE1DC7E4F3C6691A15DC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_576FEDAE93407125874E3C6691A18EE2" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_D537BAE6EFBEE1DC7E4F3C6691A15DC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_DFFB118F4ED84E0C82A13C6691A15B9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_576FEDAE93407125874E3C6691A18EE2" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_DFFB118F4ED84E0C82A13C6691A15B9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_00BAF8C8CFFF80471DB13C6691A10717" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F9830DD4088ABE9AD6B53C6691A1E964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_00BAF8C8CFFF80471DB13C6691A10717" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_2147D1407AD230CB5ADF3C6691ABC8D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F9830DD4088ABE9AD6B53C6691A1E964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_2147D1407AD230CB5ADF3C6691ABC8D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_CF4990A2D9DE3879E0DC3C6691AB5450" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F9830DD4088ABE9AD6B53C6691A1E964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_CF4990A2D9DE3879E0DC3C6691AB5450" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="rcii-20190930.xsd#rcii_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceBasedGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_rcii_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceBasedGrantsInPeriod_497672E97350FB1BCF853C6691ABC133" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F9830DD4088ABE9AD6B53C6691A1E964" xlink:to="loc_rcii_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPerformanceBasedGrantsInPeriod_497672E97350FB1BCF853C6691ABC133" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_56110028B083B59FCB6A3C6691ABEEFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F9830DD4088ABE9AD6B53C6691A1E964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_56110028B083B59FCB6A3C6691ABEEFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum_F701DA5E9D9B4FED6DA53C6691AB2180" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F9830DD4088ABE9AD6B53C6691A1E964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum_F701DA5E9D9B4FED6DA53C6691AB2180" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum_771797D3499B294D125F3C6691ABC45A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F9830DD4088ABE9AD6B53C6691A1E964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum_771797D3499B294D125F3C6691ABC45A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum_E44BB48DC2F3297D41A43C6691AB4F93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F9830DD4088ABE9AD6B53C6691A1E964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum_E44BB48DC2F3297D41A43C6691AB4F93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum_32B4F2212DC30F52E0333C6691AB1D5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F9830DD4088ABE9AD6B53C6691A1E964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum_32B4F2212DC30F52E0333C6691AB1D5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_BB34D64C1A069B6F86CE3C67CE8BF9AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F9830DD4088ABE9AD6B53C6691A1E964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_BB34D64C1A069B6F86CE3C67CE8BF9AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_EAD5FFCEA63B2C5890A93C691E441FBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F9830DD4088ABE9AD6B53C6691A1E964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_EAD5FFCEA63B2C5890A93C691E441FBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_C3EBCB5ECEB93509B3BF3C6691ABA5BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F9830DD4088ABE9AD6B53C6691A1E964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_C3EBCB5ECEB93509B3BF3C6691ABA5BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_E7F1E9D3F319B372ABE93C6691AB393E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F9830DD4088ABE9AD6B53C6691A1E964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_E7F1E9D3F319B372ABE93C6691AB393E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rentacenter.com/role/StockBasedCompensationNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>
</XBRL>
