recession

1 of 2

noun (1)

re·​ces·​sion ri-ˈse-shən 

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

ri-ˈse-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective

recession

2 of 2

noun (2)

re·​ces·​sion (ˌ)rē-ˈse-shən 

: the act of ceding back to a former possessor

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• depression
• slump

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

Noun

Notably, the Sahm Rule has had no false alarms in predicting a recession and remains below the trigger level. —Bill Stone, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025

Trade tensions and signs of slowing growth have led to worries that a recession could be looming. —Auzinea Bacon, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025

Wall Street strategists haven’t yet cut year-end index targets and while sell-side economists are trimming GDP estimates, recession calls haven’t begun. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2025

The big picture: The confident AI trade that drove stocks higher in 2024 has firmly given way to fears of slowing growth and possibly recession, fueled by unpredictable policy and an escalating trade war. —Pete Gannon, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025

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

Phrases Containing recession

• anti-recession
• pre-recession

Rhymes for recession

• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression

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 

: pathological withdrawal of tissue from its normal position

advanced gum recession