recession

1 of 2

noun (1)

re·​ces·​sion ri-ˈse-shən 

plural recessions

1

: the act or action of receding : withdrawal

the recession of floodwaters

The exposed roots of teeth, commonly caused by gum recession, can be protected by using a composite resin in combination with an adhesive resin.

—American Dental Association

2

economics : a period of significantly reduced general economic activity that is marked especially by declines in employment and production and that lasts more than a few months

The country is in a recession.

a period of economic recession

The spurt of economic growth that usually follows recessions isn't in sight this time.

—David Wessel

compare depression sense 2a

3

: a departing procession (as of clergy and choir at the end of a church service)

recessionary

ri-ˈse-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective

recession

2 of 2

noun (2)

re·​ces·​sion (ˌ)rē-ˈse-shən 

: the act of ceding back to a former possessor

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• depression
• slump

Examples of recession in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While many economists are celebrating that the country appears to no longer be headed for a recession, many are forgetting to explore a crumbling pillar for families: childcare. —Katherine Goldstein, TIME, 18 Apr. 2024

Many economists thought there was a chance the rapid rate hikes could cause a recession, but jobs have remained plentiful and the economy forged on thanks to strong consumer spending. —Matt Ott, Quartz, 18 Apr. 2024

The Policy Forum previously found that in 2020, the general fund had closed the fiscal year with a small positive balance for the first time on record — but the news came as as the state grappled with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and faced a recession. —Jessie Opoien, Journal Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2024

In a worst-case scenario, economists fear these policies could set the stage for a recession. —Krystal Hur, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024

But people are still feeling down, reeling from a pandemic and continually looming recessions, so the Biden administration will absorb much of the blame. —Bychloe Berger, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2024

And with more people earning and spending money, the economy has been insulated against the slowdown and even recession that many economists once saw as all but inevitable as the Federal Reserve raised interest rates in 2022 and 2023. —Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024

Today, lending standards are far tighter, which economists say should prevent a similar collapse in prices if there’s another recession. —Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024

The overwhelming expectation was that those moves would cause a recession. —Rachel Siegel, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

re- + cession

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1828, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing recession

• anti-recession
• pre-recession

Kids Definition

recession

noun

re·​ces·​sion

ri-ˈsesh-ən

1

: the act or fact of receding or withdrawing

2

: a group of individuals departing in an orderly often ceremonial way

3

: a downward turn in business activity

also : the period of such a downward turn

Medical Definition

recession

noun

re·​ces·​sion ri-ˈsesh-ən 

: pathological withdrawal of tissue from its normal position

advanced gum recession