Recession — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ri-ˈse-shən/ (noun) /(ˌ)rē-ˈse-shən/ (noun) re·ces·sion

Meaning & Definition of Recession

Recession (noun)

  1. the act or action of receding, withdrawal
  2. 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
  3. a departing procession (as of clergy and choir at the end of a church service)
  4. the act of ceding back to a former possessor

Recession (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a period of decreased economic activity

    "the country is just coming out of a recession, so expect to see fewer layoffs and more new jobs in the coming year"

    similar: depression, slump
    related: bust, crash, panic, stagnation, downbeat, downdraft, downswing, downtrend, downturn, slowdown
    opposite: boom
    near: development, growth, advancement, progress, rally, recovery

  2. an act of moving away especially from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable

    "a retiring CEO making a gradual recession from the daily rigors of running a major corporation"

    similar: pullback, pullout, retirement, retreat, withdrawal
    related: rout, flinch, recoil, revulsion, shrinking, disengagement, disentanglement
    opposite: advance, advancement

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Recession

The most common words with a similar meaning to Recession:

depression, slump, pullback, pullout, retirement, retreat, withdrawal

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Recession

Words with the opposite meaning of Recession:

boom, advance, advancement

Related Words for Recession

bust, crash, panic, stagnation, downbeat, downdraft, downswing, downtrend, downturn, slowdown, rout, flinch, recoil, revulsion, shrinking, disengagement, disentanglement

Near Antonyms of Recession

development, growth, progress, rally, recovery

Word Forms of Recession

Inflections: recessions

Derived words: recessionary (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Recession

re- + cession

First known use: 1630

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Recession

Words & Phrases Containing Recession

anti-recession, prerecession

Frequently Asked Questions about Recession

What does "Recession" mean?

"Recession" means the act or action of receding, withdrawal. As a noun, it is defined as: the act or action of receding, withdrawal. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Recession"?

Other words for "Recession" include depression, slump, pullback, pullout, retirement, retreat and withdrawal. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Recession" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Recession"?

There are 24 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Recession". Common alternatives include depression, slump, pullback, pullout, retirement, retreat and withdrawal.

What is the opposite of "Recession"?

Antonyms of "Recession" include boom, advance and advancement. Near antonyms include development, growth, progress and rally.

How do you use "Recession" in a sentence?

Examples of "Recession" in a sentence: "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".

Is "Recession" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Recession" is a noun.

Is "Recession" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Recession" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Recession"?

"Recession" is pronounced /ri-ˈse-shən/ as a noun and /(ˌ)rē-ˈse-shən/ as a noun and divided into syllables as re·ces·sion.