Phrasal verb
bounce back
Definition
phrasal verb. to return to a normal or successful state quickly after a difficult time or a failure.
phrasal verb. To recover quickly from a setback, illness, or period of adversity. The verb is intransitive and describes a return to a previous state of health or success.
Examples
“The economy is starting to bounce back after the long recession.”
“Even though she lost the first set, the tennis player managed to bounce back and win the match.”
“Despite the catastrophic failure of their initial product launch, the startup managed to bounce back by pivoting their business model and securing fresh venture capital.”
Examples
simple
“The economy is starting to bounce back after the long recession.”
contextual
“Even though she lost the first set, the tennis player managed to bounce back and win the match.”
complex
“Despite the catastrophic failure of their initial product launch, the startup managed to bounce back by pivoting their business model and securing fresh venture capital.”
Usage
This is an intransitive phrasal verb and does not take a direct object.
Teaching tip
Contrast this with 'recover' to show how 'bounce back' emphasizes the speed and energy of the return to form.
Pitfall
He bounced back the failure.
He bounced back from the failure.
The phrase is intransitive and requires the preposition 'from' to link it to the cause of the setback.
Phrasal verb
Particles
back
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
bounce + back
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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