Word
convalescent
Phoneticscon·va·les·cent, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɑnvəˈɫɛsənt/
UK/kˌɒnvəlˈɛsənt/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person who is getting better after an illness, injury, or operation but is not fully well yet. You use it for someone who needs rest to get their strength back.
n. a person recovering from illness, injury, or surgery and gradually regaining health and strength. Refers to the period after active treatment when rest and limited activity support full recovery.
Examples
“The convalescent rests in bed and drinks plenty of water.”
“After her surgery, the convalescent stays with her sister for two weeks to rest and rebuild her strength.”
“The hospital moved the convalescent to a quiet sunny ward where slow walks, regular meals, and careful monitoring supported his gradual return to full health.”
Examples
simple
“The convalescent rests in bed and drinks plenty of water.”
contextual
“After her surgery, the convalescent stays with her sister for two weeks to rest and rebuild her strength.”
complex
“The hospital moved the convalescent to a quiet sunny ward where slow walks, regular meals, and careful monitoring supported his gradual return to full health.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “convalescent” in context.
Verb
01. care for convalescent
“Her daughter took leave to care for the convalescent at home.”
verb + prep + noun
02. convalescent recovers
“The convalescent recovers best with regular sleep and light walks.”
noun + verb
03. convalescent recuperates
“The convalescent recuperates gradually under medical supervision.”
noun + verb
04. convalescent rests
“The convalescent rests for most of the day to rebuild strength.”
noun + verb
05. monitor convalescent
“Doctors closely monitored the convalescent after his heart operation.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. elderly convalescent
“The elderly convalescent was advised to avoid stairs for several weeks.”
adj + noun
07. frail convalescent
“The nurse visited the frail convalescent daily to check his blood pressure.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. care of convalescent
“The care of convalescents requires patience, nutrition and rest.”
noun + prep + noun
09. home for convalescent
“He was moved to a home for convalescents to regain strength.”
noun + prep + noun
10. care for a frail convalescent
“It takes great patience to care for a frail convalescent at home.”
11. convalescent needs plenty of rest
“After pneumonia, the convalescent needs plenty of rest.”
12. help the convalescent regain strength
“Daily short walks helped the convalescent regain strength.”
Etymology
From French convalescent, from Latin convalēscēn(t-)s, present participle of convalēscere (“to become strong or well”); see convalesce.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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