recidivism

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "recidivism" is correct and can be used in written English.
The word "recidivism" refers to the tendency of a criminal to reoffend. For example, "The recidivism rate of this particular prison was extremely high."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One recent study revealed that cutting numbers of jailed juvenile offenders by two-thirds had coincided with a cut in youth crime rates of one-third – dramatic figures, especially when combined with less recidivism and lower spending since rehabilitation costs much less than locking people up.

The Guardian - Opinion

About 60% of them are convicted again within a year of their release; recidivism has remained stubbornly high (see chart below).

The Economist

Recidivism rates have not changed for decades, but there are far more ex-convicts: roughly two-thirds of the ex-cons are likely to be rearrested within three years, and 40% will probably go back behind bars.This debate will rumble on not least because it is impossible to prove the deterrent effect of tougher sentences.

The Economist

If recidivism falls by 7.5 percentage points or more below predicted rates, the investors might get an annual return of up to 7.5%.

The Economist

That pushes recidivism rates above 60%, starting the ghastly cycle anew.

The Economist

And, if so, what might convert it from a chaotic place with a tendency towards recidivism into a respectable pillar of society?There are three main theories about what is wrong with the Home Office.

The Economist

Offenders who appeared prone to recidivism (in this case those with previous convictions) were more likely to be turned down, as were those who were not in a rehabilitation programme.

The Economist

Asked about the same law, Mr Hickman replies: "If I can succeed at reducing the recidivism rate, the sentencing policy would be irrelevant".

The Economist

A recent paper by Rafael di Tella of Harvard University and Ernesto Schargrodsky of Universidad Torcuato di Tella looked at recidivism rates among people awaiting trial in Buenos Aires.

The Economist

"We need a professional, ethical situation around here," said Mr McDonough, laying out three goals: lower recidivism rates, improved vocational training for prisoners and better training for guards.

The Economist

The failure of the British system is not to be found in the statistics on prison overcrowding that have been plaguing John Reid, the home secretary, in recent weeks, but rather in the appalling rates of recidivism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "recidivism", clearly define the population you are studying (e.g., released prisoners, juvenile offenders) and the timeframe for measuring re-offending (e.g., within one year, within three years) to provide context for the data.

Common error

Don't assume that a high crime rate automatically indicates high "recidivism". Crime rates reflect new offenses, while recidivism focuses specifically on re-offenses by previous offenders. These are distinct metrics and should be analyzed and addressed separately.

Linguistic Context

The noun "recidivism" primarily functions as a subject or object in sentences, referring to the act of repeating criminal behavior after having been previously convicted or punished for a crime. Ludwig's examples show it in use discussing rates and factors influencing this phenomenon.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "recidivism" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that refers to the act of repeating criminal behavior. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily in the realm of news and media. The analysis reveals that "recidivism" functions to describe and analyze repeat offending, often in discussions about criminal justice and rehabilitation. While related terms like "reoffending" and "relapse into crime" exist, "recidivism" maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. Understanding its proper usage is crucial for clear and accurate communication about criminal justice issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reoffending

Replaces the more formal term with a simpler, more direct synonym.

repeat offending

Emphasizes the act of committing offenses multiple times.

relapse into crime

Highlights the idea of falling back into criminal behavior after a period of abstinence.

habitual offending

Focuses on the repeated nature of the offenses, suggesting a pattern or habit.

returning to crime

A straightforward way to express the concept of going back to criminal activities.

chronic reoffense

Emphasizes the long-term, persistent nature of the repeat offenses.

cycle of re-incarceration

Focuses on the pattern of imprisonment and release, followed by reoffending.

repetition of criminal behavior

A more descriptive phrase that spells out the meaning of recidivism.

recurrent criminal activity

Highlights the continuous and repeated nature of the criminal actions.

re-engagement in crime

Suggests a renewed involvement or participation in criminal activities.

FAQs

How is "recidivism" typically measured?

Recidivism is usually measured by tracking the rate at which individuals who have been released from incarceration or completed a correctional program are rearrested, reconvicted, or re-incarcerated within a specified period, such as one, three, or five years.

What factors are commonly associated with higher "recidivism" rates?

Factors often linked to higher recidivism rates include lack of education, unemployment, substance abuse, mental health issues, and weak social support networks. Addressing these challenges through rehabilitation programs and community support can help reduce /s/reoffending.

What are some strategies for reducing "recidivism"?

Effective strategies for reducing recidivism include providing education and job training to offenders, offering cognitive behavioral therapy and substance abuse treatment, facilitating access to stable housing and healthcare, and implementing comprehensive reentry programs that provide support during the transition back to the community.

Is "recidivism" the same as "relapse"?

"Recidivism" refers specifically to the re-engagement in criminal behavior, while "relapse" typically refers to the recurrence of a medical or behavioral condition, such as substance abuse. Although both terms involve a return to a previous negative state, "recidivism" is used in the context of criminal justice, while relapse is used more broadly.