recovery

noun

re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkə-və-rē How to pronounce recovery (audio)
-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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Your employees will lose traction on key priorities, focusing instead on damage control and recovery, instead of new product development. Steve Gickling, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 Year-on-year, the quarterly numbers still show a decline of 2 percent (compared with the third quarter of 2023), but recovery must start somewhere. Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 18 Dec. 2024 All flights grounded Damage to the seaport and airport is likely to hamper aid efforts and economic recovery in a country dependent on agricultural exports and tourism. Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024 Additional federal and local regulations can slow down the process, delaying treatment and affecting recovery. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for recovery 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of recovery was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near recovery

Cite this Entry

“Recovery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recovery. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

recovery

noun
re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkəv-(ə-)rē How to pronounce recovery (audio)
plural recoveries
: the act or process or an instance of recovering

Medical Definition

recovery

noun
re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkəv-(ə-)rē How to pronounce recovery (audio)
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 How to pronounce recovery (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on recovery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!