recovery

noun

re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkə-və-rē How to pronounce recovery (audio)
-ˈkəv-rē
plural recoveries
Synonyms of recoverynext
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

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

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 All spring, the Dodgers marveled at how far ahead of schedule outfield prospect Andy Pages was in his recovery from shoulder surgery last season. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024 Though water quality and habitat have improved, the recovery remains tenuous, the report says, because of longer droughts, warmer temperatures and competition for limited water supplies threatening its flow. —USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024 Authorities announced Monday evening the recovery of a fourth body from a construction vehicle in the underwater wreckage. —Eric Tucker, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2024 Umberg dropped them from SB 913 over concerns about discrimination against the disabled, the sword and shield protecting people in recovery (which, Aetna and Beverly Hills might argue, pad the pockets of providers but don’t protect vulnerable people at all). —Teri Sforza, Orange County Register, 14 Apr. 2024 At home, Americans face a contentious upcoming presidential election, while still in recovery from the last one. —Craig Bruce Smith, TIME, 12 Apr. 2024 While the recovery process could take months or even years, so far, the surgery appears to be a success, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay told the Herald. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2024 Hawaii is awaiting $3.7 million from a 2012 storm, $77.7 million for recovery after fires ravaged Maui in 2019, and $123 million total. —Jacob Bogage, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024 Rehabilitators said that coyote sustained three broken legs but made a full recovery and was later released. —Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 11 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recovery.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of recovery was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing recovery

Dictionary Entries Near recovery

recoveror

recovery

recovery furnace

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Recovery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recovery. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

recovery

noun
re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkəv-(ə-)rē How to pronounce recovery (audio)
plural recoveries
: the act or process or an instance of recovering

Medical Definition

recovery

noun
re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkəv-(ə-)rē How to pronounce recovery (audio)
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 How to pronounce recovery (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on recovery

Nglish: Translation of recovery for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of recovery for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about recovery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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