remediation
Americannoun
noun
Usage
What does remediation mean? Remediation is the act of remedying or correcting something that has been corrupted or that is deficient. Remediation has two main usages. Environmental remediation is the removal of pollutants or the reversal of other environmental damage, especially in a particular location, to attempt to return it to its natural state. In education, remediation refers to instruction intended to fill gaps in a student’s core education. Example: After years of legal battles, the chemical company finally agreed to begin remediation at the site of the former factory by removing toxins from the surrounding soil.
Etymology
Origin of remediation
First recorded in 1790–1800; from Latin remediātiōn-, stem of remediātiō “act or process of healing,” equivalent to remediāt-, past participle stem of remediāre “to treat (successfully), cure” + -ion, noun suffix; see origin at remedy, -ation
Explanation
Remediation has to do with righting a wrong or correcting a fault. Students who can't read well or do their multiplication tables might need remediation to bring them up to speed. Remediation is a word for fixing things that aren't right. You often hear about criminals needing rehabilitation, which is close to remediation: after remediation, you're a better or smarter person. Students who get to college but aren't quite ready for college work need remediation. In all forms of remediation, the idea is you're going to help people get better in some way.
Vocabulary lists containing remediation
Apple
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Chemical Engineering
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Novel Study: We Beat the Street, Chapter 10–Conclusion
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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.
They added it "will work alongside developers and local planning authorities as part of any redevelopment proposals to ensure that investigations are carried out along with any necessary remediation."
From BBC • May 20, 2026
Citigroup, under CEO Jane Fraser, aims to transition from a remediation strategy to one focused on growth and market share.
From Barron's • May 6, 2026
When a notice is submitted, the DMV will review the incident, conduct any necessary investigation and determine what remediation, if any, is required, he said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
The U.K. lender beat analyst expectations with higher profit thanks to better impairments and remediation, analysts write.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026
O'Donovan said in February he was concerned the polymer seal would not stop deep‑seated fires and could delay ecological surveys needed for his planning application and site remediation.
From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026
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.
