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 Kirsten Dunst almost took a tumble during the Oscars but won the award for most graceful recovery. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 11 Mar. 2024 Alex Cobb, ahead of schedule in his recovery from offseason hip surgery, will also throw live for the first time Monday. Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2024 Since then, OpenAI has been in recovery mode, and its $13 billion partnership with Microsoft has grown even closer – Altman had worked for about a week at Microsoft after his ouster and before his return to OpenAI. David Goldman, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 Taking care of the soil around the tree and fertilization will help lower stress and promote recovery. USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 Even beyond the tangible recovery, Miller is concerned for farmers' and ranchers' mental health. Li Cohen, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2024 Last July, Foxx posted an emotional video giving an update on his recovery after his April 2023 hospitalization. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 Transfers from two-year colleges to four-year institutions led the growth, increasing by 7.7%, a healthy recovery from a 4.3% decline seen in the prior year. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 China’s price-conscious shoppers are trading down amid a fragile economic recovery, delivering a boon to firms that cater to the trend while adding pressure on premium brands. Ishika Mookerjee, Fortune Asia, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recovery.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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
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