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
American Dental Association2
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
David Wessel3
: a departing procession (as of clergy and choir at the end of a church service)
re·ces·sion
(ˌ)rē-ˈse-shən
: the act of ceding back to a former possessor
Synonyms
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
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 
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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
Dictionary Entries Near recession
Cite this Entry
“Recession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recession. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
recession
noun
re·ces·sion
ri-ˈsesh-ən
: pathological withdrawal of tissue from its normal position
advanced gum recession
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