# rebuild

/ɹiˈbɪɫd/ (US) · /ɹɪbˈɪld/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rebuild
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to construct again

verb · CEFR B1

to build something again after it was damaged or destroyed.

For teachers: to construct a physical structure again after it has been demolished or damaged. Often used transitively with a direct object.

- The city had to rebuild many houses after the heavy floods last year.
- Following the earthquake, the government allocated significant funds to rebuild the historic district using modern seismic safety standards.

### 2. to restore or improve

verb · CEFR B2

to make something like a relationship, a team, or a life better after a bad time.

For teachers: to restore or strengthen an abstract entity, such as a reputation, relationship, or organisation, after a period of decline or failure.

- It took several years for the two friends to rebuild their trust in each other.
- The new CEO was hired specifically to rebuild the company's reputation after the public relations disaster of the previous summer.

### 3. the process of building again

noun · CEFR B2

the act of building something again, or the finished result.

For teachers: the process or the specific instance of reconstructing something. Often used in technical or sports contexts.

- The engine rebuild was expensive, but the car runs like new now.
- The team's management announced a total rebuild, trading away veteran players to focus on developing younger talent for the future.

## Examples

- The city worked hard to rebuild the bridge after the flood.
- After the scandal, the company hired a new PR firm to help rebuild its public image.
- The post-war government faced the monumental task of having to rebuild the nation's infrastructure while simultaneously managing a severe financial crisis.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.