Word
retraction
Phoneticsre·trac·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹiˈtɹækʃən/
UK/ɹɪtɹˈækʃən/
Definition
n. the act of taking back a statement or a belief. It is often used when someone realizes they were wrong or when a scientific study is proven to be incorrect.
n. the act of withdrawing or disowning a previous statement, belief, or publication. Often used in academic or legal contexts to describe the formal correction of a published error.
Examples
“The scientist issued a retraction after new evidence appeared.”
“The editor published a formal retraction to correct the error in the original article.”
“In formal logic, a retraction serves as a mechanism to undo a previous assertion, allowing the system to maintain internal consistency when new information contradicts existing premises.”
Examples
simple
“The scientist issued a retraction after new evidence appeared.”
contextual
“The editor published a formal retraction to correct the error in the original article.”
complex
“In formal logic, a retraction serves as a mechanism to undo a previous assertion, allowing the system to maintain internal consistency when new information contradicts existing premises.”
Real-World Examples
“Scientists seek demigod status, journals want blockbuster results, and retractions are on the rise: is science broken?” “Instead, they are seeking a retraction of an FBI advisory published in May, which they claim "offended" them.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/retraction