Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

recuperation

American  
[ri-koo-puh-rey-shuhn, -kyoo-] / rɪˌku pəˈreɪ ʃən, -ˌkyu- /

noun

  1. the process or fact of regaining health or strength; recovery from illness or exhaustion.

    Whether for short-term care or recuperation from surgery, our team works closely with patients, their families, and physicians to encourage rapid recovery.

  2. the act or fact of recovering a loss or expense.

    When renovating, don’t expect a “dollar for dollar” recuperation of your investment in terms of the home’s market value.


Other Word Forms

  • nonrecuperation noun

Etymology

Origin of recuperation

First recorded in 1480–90; recuperat(e) ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Explanation

The process of healing or recovering is called recuperation. Everyone needs at least a couple of days of recuperation after getting all four wisdom teeth pulled. Recuperation usually happens after an illness, a medical procedure, or some kind of injury: "His recuperation included keeping his leg elevated for several days." You might even need a little recuperation after exerting yourself: "I didn't expect to need so much recuperation after hiking up that mountain!" The Latin root is recuperare, "get back or regain."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing recuperation

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.

She credits the procedure for her rapid recuperation after the birth of her second child, a boy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

By traveling along with all that — and Sharon’s cancer recovery, and Ozzy’s recuperation from an ATV accident — the attention economy shifted.

From Salon • Jul. 24, 2025

It isn’t about some precious notion of a beloved cuteness enduring, but that when Masear’s recuperation works as intended — and it doesn’t always, regrettably — what she’s offering is hope and renewed strength.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2025

His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2024

The recuperation might take time, but Garfield was a strong and energetic man.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow