# remission

/ɹiˈmɪʃən/ (US) · /ɹɪmˈɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

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

## Definition

a period of time when a serious illness gets better or the symptoms disappear. It can also mean a reduction in a prison sentence or a debt.

For teachers: a temporary or permanent diminution or disappearance of the symptoms of a chronic or malignant disease; also refers to the formal cancellation or reduction of a debt, penalty, or prison sentence.

## Examples

- The doctor says her cancer is now in remission.
- After months of intensive chemotherapy, the patient was relieved to hear that his leukemia had finally gone into complete remission.
- While the legal team argued for a full remission of the fine based on new evidence, the judge only granted a partial reduction in light of the defendant's cooperation.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the prepositional phrase 'in remission' when referring to health; 'remission of' is standard for legal or financial contexts.

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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.