recovery
Pluralrecoveries
- 1The return to good health after being sick or hurt.
Like a phone slowly charging back up to a full battery.
Her recovery from the flu took about two weeks.
After surgery, his recovery was faster than the doctors expected.
UsageSay recovery from an illness, and make a quick or full recovery.
Similarrecuperation
Oppositerelapse, deterioration
- 2Getting back to normal, or becoming stronger or better, after a hard time or damage.
The town's recovery after the flood took several years.
After losing five games in a row, the team made a great recovery.
UsageSay recovery from or after a hard time; a team can make a recovery.
Similarcomeback, revival, rebound, turnaround
Oppositedecline, deterioration
- 3Getting back something you lost, something taken from you, or money owed to you.
Like finding a toy you thought was gone for good.
The recovery of her stolen bike made her very happy.
Police helped with the recovery of the missing painting.
UsageSay the recovery of something: the recovery of a stolen car.
Note
- 4A time when business, jobs, and trade grow again after a period when they fell.
Like plants growing back green after a long dry spell.
The town saw a slow recovery after the factory reopened.
Shops hoped for a quick recovery once people started spending again.
UsageOften recovery from a bad time, or a place in front: a UK recovery.
Similarupturn, revival, rebound, upswing, turnaround
Oppositerecession, downturn, slump, decline
Note
- 5The long process of getting over a need for alcohol or drugs, usually by living without them.
My uncle has been in recovery for ten years and does not drink at all.
He has been in recovery for two years and goes to a meeting every week.
UsageSay someone is in recovery, or talks about recovery from drugs or alcohol.
Similarrehabilitation
Oppositerelapse
Less common meanings
- 6
- 7Going back to your starting position after a movement, like a lunge or a curtsey.
Like pulling your hand back to a safe spot after touching something hot.
The coach praised her quick recovery after the lunge.
A clean recovery let him block the next strike.
Note
- 8Getting ore out of a mine, or getting metal out of the ore.
- 9In games, how fast a character can get health back after being hurt.
Practice
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Origin
It came through Middle English and Old French from a word meaning "recover."
Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 1 fact
- Recovery came through Middle English and Old French from a word meaning recover. en.wiktionary.org