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
In the 1970s, higher prices triggered recessions which shut down factories and left the public suffering, even when supplies were available. Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 Instead, the bill adds trillions more to the national debt — possibly raising interest rates and bringing on a recession. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025 Broadly speaking, investors expect the U.S. can avoid a recession, as long as tariffs do not return to the steep levels that were unveiled in early April. Sarah Min, CNBC, 12 June 2025 Without them, the fear is that Trump’s high tariffs could drive the economy into a recession while pushing inflation higher. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 11 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recession. Accessed 17 Jun. 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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