recession

1 of 2

noun (1)

re·​ces·​sion ri-ˈse-shən How to pronounce recession (audio)
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 adjective

recession

2 of 2

noun (2)

re·​ces·​sion (ˌ)rē-ˈse-shən How to pronounce recession (audio)
: the act of ceding back to a former possessor

Examples of recession in a Sentence

Noun (1) the country is just coming out of a recession, so expect to see fewer layoffs and more new jobs in the coming year a retiring CEO making a gradual recession from the daily rigors of running a major corporation
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
And significantly, one-fourth (25%) now expect a recession, up from 8% at the beginning of the year, according to a survey from JPMorgan Chase. Luisa Beltran, Fortune, 25 June 2025 Additionally, the share of consumers expecting a recession over the next 12 months rose slightly last month. Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 24 June 2025 This relatively small increase in recession risk is consistent with the decline in stock prices. Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 This course of action could block roughly one third of the world’s oil trade, causing a spike in prices that could set off a global recession. Ilan Goldenberg, Foreign Affairs, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for recession

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of recession was in 1630

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Cite this Entry

“Recession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recession. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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 How to pronounce recession (audio)
: pathological withdrawal of tissue from its normal position
advanced gum recession

More from Merriam-Webster on recession

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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