# recovery

/ɹɪˈkəvɝi/ (US) · /ɹɪkˈʌvəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/recovery
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. health

noun · CEFR B1

the process of becoming healthy again after an illness or injury.

For teachers: the process of returning to a normal state of health, mind, or strength.

- The doctor said she should make a full recovery within a few weeks.
- Physiotherapy is a critical component of the patient's recovery, ensuring that muscle strength is restored after the surgical procedure.

### 2. retrieval

noun · CEFR B2

the act of getting back something that was lost, stolen, or hidden.

For teachers: the act or process of regaining possession of something lost or stolen.

- Police are working on the recovery of the stolen paintings.
- The deep-sea expedition focused on the recovery of the flight data recorder from the wreckage on the ocean floor.

### 3. economy

noun · CEFR B2

a period when the economy starts to grow again after a difficult time.

For teachers: a period of renewed economic growth following a recession or slump.

- There are early signs of economic recovery as more people find jobs.
- Market analysts remain cautious, noting that the fragile economic recovery could be derailed by sudden fluctuations in global energy prices.

### 4. debt or law

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

the process of getting back money that is owed to you.

For teachers: the process of obtaining a judgment for the payment of money or the actual collection of a debt.

- The company hired a lawyer to help with the recovery of unpaid fees.
- The court granted a verdict for the recovery of damages, though the defendant's lack of liquid assets made the actual collection difficult.

### 5. mining

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the process of taking useful materials like metal or oil out of the ground.

For teachers: the extraction of useful substances, such as minerals or metals, from ore or a natural deposit.

- New technology has improved the recovery of gold from old mines.
- The environmental impact report questioned whether the secondary recovery of oil from the exhausted well was economically viable given the high energy costs.

## Examples

- The doctor says her recovery is going very well.
- Economists are watching the housing market closely for any signs of a steady recovery after the recession.
- While the patient showed physical signs of recovery, the psychological trauma required a more intensive and prolonged therapeutic intervention to address fully.

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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.