Word
reclaiming
Phoneticsre·claim·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹiˈkɫeɪmɪŋ/
UK/ɹɪklˈeɪmɪŋ/
Definition
v. to take back something that was lost, stolen, or taken away. It can also mean making land useful again, like turning an old factory site into a park.
v. to recover possession of something previously lost or surrendered; to bring uncultivated or waste land into a state of productivity. Often implies a restoration of rights or utility.
Examples
“The city is reclaiming the old industrial area to build a park.”
“After years of neglect, the local community is reclaiming the abandoned garden to grow fresh vegetables for the neighborhood.”
“The indigenous group spent decades in court reclaiming their ancestral lands, eventually securing a landmark ruling that recognized their historical and legal rights to the territory.”
Examples
simple
“The city is reclaiming the old industrial area to build a park.”
contextual
“After years of neglect, the local community is reclaiming the abandoned garden to grow fresh vegetables for the neighborhood.”
complex
“The indigenous group spent decades in court reclaiming their ancestral lands, eventually securing a landmark ruling that recognized their historical and legal rights to the territory.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“Releasing this album is one way of reclaiming the fun and freedom that had become so important to Kiwanuka.” “Still, reclaiming the Senate especially could be an uphill climb for Democrats.” - 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
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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