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

Yield Giving has donated to thousands of organizations, focused on issues including DEI, education, disaster recovery, and more. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025

Many residents and some local officials have expressed frustration with the slow recovery in the wake of the fires, citing bureaucratic challenges, significant delays with permitting, insurance disputes and infrastructure concerns. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 16 Nov. 2025

Semirechenskiy, a former ballet soloist with the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, used Nordic walking as part of his recovery from a spinal issue. —Melanie Radzicki McManus, CNN Money, 16 Nov. 2025

In the current initial test phase, engineers are using deuterium and hydrogen as substitutes to demonstrate the recovery principle. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Nov. 2025

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