recession

1 a period of decreased economic activity <the country is just coming out of a recession, so expect to see fewer layoffs and more new jobs in the coming year> Synonyms depression, slumpRelated Words bust, crash, panic; stagnation; downbeat, downdraft, downswing, downtrend, downturn, slowdownNear Antonyms development, growth; advancement, progress; rally, recoveryAntonyms boom

2 an act of moving away especially from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable <a retiring CEO making a gradual recession from the daily rigors of running a major corporation> Synonyms pullback, pullout, retreat, retirement, withdrawalRelated Words rout; flinch, recoil, revulsion, shrinking; disengagement, disentanglementAntonyms advance, advancement