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

Even as my life and my recovery took many wild swerves, transporting me from the Rez to one of the fanciest restaurants in the country, all around the globe and back again, cooking was a constant. — Literary Hub, 20 July 2026

For Benigno Alarcón, a prominent political analyst in Caracas, the flow of recovery funds presented opportunities for corruption. — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

One expert explains that recovery, not longer or harder workouts, is key to staying fit in your 40s and beyond. — Jenessa Connor, Health, 20 July 2026

Peptides—the tiny protein fragments that users inject to try to speed up recovery, boost energy, or slow aging—are all the rage. — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 20 July 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