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 of recovery

• reclamation

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

Recently, the sector has been affected by El Nino, which brings weak monsoons and dry weather, reducing yields and sucrose recovery. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

His message to men dealing with low energy, slow recovery or lagging strength is practical. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026

And valuations on several loans held by its biggest financial backer, a private-credit affiliate of KKR, range from nearly 100 cents on the dollar — a full recovery that is nearly unheard of when equity is wiped out — to around 10 cents. — Ellen Dimauro, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Broadly speaking, in the studies the Flinders researchers looked at, these dressings were applied to a range of slow-to-heal skin wounds on mice and rats, and their recovery was tracked over about one to three weeks. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for recovery

• rediscovery

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