recovery

noun

re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkə-və-rē 

-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

Synonyms of recovery

• reclamation

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

This dynamic, known in counseling circles as partner-blame, is well documented in Christian purity and addiction-recovery literature. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026

Injury updates Dodgers utility players Tommy Edman (right ankle surgery recovery) and Kiké Hernández (left elbow surgery recovery) took early batting practice on the field Saturday afternoon. —Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026

Kittle affirmed that in a recent interview with this news organization, saying that his surgeon and physical therapist are happy with his recovery from that right Achilles tear in the 49ers’ wild-card win at Philadelphia. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026

An Air Canada flight attendant who survived being thrown from a plane during last week’s deadly runway collision at New York’s LaGuardia Airport has been seen in the hospital for the first time, as her daughter described severe injuries and a long recovery ahead. —Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing recovery

• data recovery
• enhanced recovery
• make a complete/full recovery
• on the road to recovery
• recovery room
• road to recovery
• speedy recovery
• spontaneous recovery

Rhymes for recovery

• rediscovery

Kids Definition

recovery

noun

re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkəv-(ə-)rē 

plural recoveries

: the act or process or an instance of recovering

Medical Definition

recovery

noun

re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkəv-(ə-)rē 

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 

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