recession

1 of 2

noun (1)

re·​ces·​sion ri-ˈse-shən How to pronounce recession (audio)
plural recessions
1
: the act or action of receding : withdrawal
the recession of floodwaters
The exposed roots of teeth, commonly caused by gum recession, can be protected by using a composite resin in combination with an adhesive resin.American Dental Association
2
economics : a period of significantly reduced general economic activity that is marked especially by declines in employment and production and that lasts more than a few months
The country is in a recession.
a period of economic recession
The spurt of economic growth that usually follows recessions isn't in sight this time.David Wessel
compare depression sense 2a
3
: a departing procession (as of clergy and choir at the end of a church service)
recessionary adjective

recession

2 of 2

noun (2)

re·​ces·​sion (ˌ)rē-ˈse-shən How to pronounce recession (audio)
: the act of ceding back to a former possessor

Examples of recession in a Sentence

Noun (1) the country is just coming out of a recession, so expect to see fewer layoffs and more new jobs in the coming year a retiring CEO making a gradual recession from the daily rigors of running a major corporation
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
And a recession would be a reason for voters to toss out the party in power. Matt Egan, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 The Fed's 11 rate hikes in 2022 and 2023 tamped down inflation without tipping the economy into a recession. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 1 Nov. 2024 That is barely above the Fed’s 2% inflation target and is in line with readings in 2018, well before prices began surging after the pandemic recession. Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 After 11 interest rate hikes in 2022 and 2023, the Fed's efforts successfully slowed inflation without causing a recession, and additional rate cuts could help lower borrowing costs for consumers and businesses alike. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for recession 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

re- + cession

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of recession was in 1630

Dictionary Entries Near recession

Cite this Entry

“Recession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recession. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

recession

noun
re·​ces·​sion
ri-ˈsesh-ən
1
: the act or fact of receding or withdrawing
2
: a group of individuals departing in an orderly often ceremonial way
3
: a downward turn in business activity
also : the period of such a downward turn

Medical Definition

recession

noun
re·​ces·​sion ri-ˈsesh-ən How to pronounce recession (audio)
: pathological withdrawal of tissue from its normal position
advanced gum recession

More from Merriam-Webster on recession

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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