1
a
: done to correct or improve something : done to make something better
Officials have pledged remedial action/measures to repair damaged bridges.
b
: done to cure or treat someone
remedial therapy
2
: involving students who need special help to improve in a particular subject
Thirty percent of the new students need remedial classes/courses in math.
remedial education
He's taking a course in remedial reading.
(US) a remedial student [=a student who is taking a remedial class]
Cite this Entry
“Remedial.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/remedial. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.
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