recovery

noun

re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkə-və-rē 

-ˈkəv-rē

plural recoveries

1

: the act, process, or an instance of recovering

especially : an economic upturn (as after a depression)

2

: the process of combating a disorder (such as alcoholism) or a real or perceived problem

Synonyms

• recapture
• reclamation
• recoupment
• repossession
• retrieval

Examples of recovery in a Sentence

This policy may slow the pace of economic recovery.

We hope for the recovery of the stolen paintings.

Their mission was the recovery of the space capsule.

Recent Examples on the Web

Two firefighters suffered minor to moderate burns on Saturday and were expected to make a full recovery, Silveira said. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 3 June 2024

Over a decade ago, in 2012, Jackson Lee revealed that she had been treated for breast cancer with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation and had made a full recovery. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 3 June 2024

Marler struggled with recovery, falling into a depression. —Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 1 June 2024

They have since been released from the hospital and are expected to make a full recovery, said Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a spokeswoman with Kansas City Police. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing recovery

• data recovery
• enhanced recovery
• make a complete/full recovery
• on the road to recovery
• recovery room
• road to recovery
• speedy recovery
• spontaneous recovery

Kids Definition

recovery

noun

re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkəv-(ə-)rē 

plural recoveries

: the act or process or an instance of recovering

Medical Definition

recovery

noun

re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkəv-(ə-)rē 

plural recoveries

: the act of regaining or returning toward a normal or healthy state

Legal Definition

recovery

noun

re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkə-və-rē 

plural recoveries

1

: the act, process, or fact of recovering

2

a

: the obtaining, getting back, or vindication of a right or property by judgment or decree

especially : the obtaining of damages

b

: an amount awarded by or collected as a result of a judgment or decree