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
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Noun
Notably, stocks hit their April low when betting odds of recession were at their highest. Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 Typically, this becomes more obvious when the economy slows or tips into recession, pushing up both delinquencies and defaults. Ron Insana, CNBC, 30 May 2025 This week and month on Wall Street have been dominated by questions about what will happen with Trump’s tariffs, which investors worry could grind the economy into a recession, slash companies’ profits and layer even more challenges on households already sick of inflation. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025 The $600 million budget for 2025-26 is expected to break even amid the possibility of an economic recession, without making deep cuts to public services or using reserves, unlike its neighbor, San Diego, which is considering doing so for the first time in at least a decade. Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Recession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recession. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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

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