# retracted

/ɹiˈtɹæktəd/ (US) · /ɹɪtɹˈæktɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/retracted
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

describing something that has been pulled back or taken away, like a statement that was wrong or a cat's claws.

For teachers: withdrawn or pulled back into a body or a larger whole; formally disavowed or rescinded. Often functions as a participial adjective describing statements or physical appendages.

## Examples

- The cat sat with its claws retracted.
- The journal marked the article as retracted after the researchers discovered a major error in their data.
- The landing gear remained only partially retracted, forcing the pilot to declare an emergency and return to the airfield for a manual inspection.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb like 'remain' or 'be', or modifies a noun directly as a participial adjective.

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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.