recidivist
Americannoun
Explanation
Use the noun recidivist to describe someone who can't stop committing crimes — for example, a repeat shoplifter is a recidivist If you've got serious backsliding tendencies, this could be your next step: recidivist is tech-talk for "repeat offender." A recidivist is basically someone who can't help lapsing into previous bad behavior patterns, usually of the criminal kind. An inmate who is released from prison and immediately steals a car can be described as a recidivist.
Vocabulary lists containing recidivist
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cas, cad, cid
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It will, however, create additional programming for TV, more advertising, revenue, opportunities for recidivist gamblers, etc.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 22, 2025
He died a week ago for want of $500 to make a $5,000 bond, held as a recidivist for allegedly shoplifting a $24 pair of pants and a $20 electric shaver from Walmart in July.
From Slate ● Aug. 24, 2023
Pritchard said the SEC could "tell a court that he's a recidivist violator of the securities laws and that he needs to be dealt with harshly."
From Reuters ● Apr. 5, 2022
MLB’s proposal Thursday centered on three of the union’s long-stated goals for the next CBA: paying younger players more, addressing recidivist losing and eliminating service time manipulation.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 13, 2022
Lately, Prophet had not been so active as Leftist and Urvile, but Prophet was a recidivist.
From The Hacker Crackdown, law and disorder on the electronic frontier by Bruce Sterling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
