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

If his recovery isn’t so smooth and Tech needs to dig into its depth chart for multiple big games, the season could be short-circuited. — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

The time to invest is now in circular supply chains as a vital strategy to unlock the next generation of critical mineral recovery. — Rob Kaplan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Household loans, including mortgages, shrank in July after a brief recovery in June, according to CNBC’s calculation of official figures, amid soft housing activity and a weak labor market. — Anniek Bao,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Bruce's Legacy founder Keith Cormican said that the terrain was difficult to search through, but that the team was able to help give Seymour's family some closure after the recovery mission. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 17 Aug. 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