# recurrence

/ɹiˈkɝəns/ (US) · /ɹɪkˈʌɹəns/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/recurrence
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the fact of something happening again. It describes an event or a problem that returns after it had stopped.

For teachers: the fact of occurring again or repeatedly. Often used in medical or technical contexts to describe the return of a condition or event after a period of absence.

## Examples

- The doctor wants to prevent a recurrence of the infection.
- Strict maintenance schedules are designed to prevent the recurrence of mechanical failures in the factory equipment.
- While the initial treatment was successful, the patient remained under observation for several months to monitor for any potential recurrence of the symptoms.

## Usage notes

- Often paired with the preposition 'of' to specify what is happening again.

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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.