# recuperation

/ɹɪˌkupɝˈeɪʃən/ (US) · /ɹɪkjˌuːpəɹˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/recuperation
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

the time when you rest and get your strength back after being sick or hurt.

For teachers: gradual return to health, strength, or normal function after illness, injury, or exhaustion. Often implies a period of rest rather than active treatment.

## Examples

- She needs rest for a full recuperation after flu.
- After knee surgery, he spends six weeks at home for recuperation before returning to work.
- Following months of overwork, her quiet month in the countryside allows a slow recuperation that no brief holiday could provide.

## Usage notes

- Commonly pairs with 'from' to name the illness or injury being recovered from.

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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.