Word
retrieval
Phoneticsre·trieval
US/ɹiˈtɹivəɫ/
UK/ɹɪtɹˈiːvəl/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of getting something back from a place where it was stored. You use this when talking about finding information on a computer or getting an object back.
n. the process of getting something back from storage or a specific location. In technical contexts, it refers to the extraction of data from a database or memory system.
Examples
“The retrieval of the lost files took several hours.”
“Modern search engines are designed for the rapid retrieval of information from billions of web pages.”
“The system architecture prioritises data retrieval speed over storage efficiency, ensuring that users experience minimal latency when accessing archived records from the cloud.”
Examples
simple
“The retrieval of the lost files took several hours.”
contextual
“Modern search engines are designed for the rapid retrieval of information from billions of web pages.”
complex
“The system architecture prioritises data retrieval speed over storage efficiency, ensuring that users experience minimal latency when accessing archived records from the cloud.”
Usage
Often paired with 'of' to specify the item being recovered.
Real-World Examples
“Soldiers search for bodies as rescue operations shift into search and retrieval in Nepal.” “This last retrieval stage is what many people think of as memory.” 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
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/retrieval