relapse

USAGE SUMMARY

'relapse' is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a return to an earlier state or condition. For example: "He was doing well in his recovery, but unfortunately he experienced a relapse and had to be hospitalized again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After returning to the UK he blamed boredom for his drinking, saying that he could not guarantee he would not relapse.

The Guardian - Sport

The Oxford Mindfulness Centre, part of the University of Oxford's department of psychiatry, has found that the MBCT course reduces the risk of relapse into depression by 44%.

The Guardian

The group also called on the government to "substantially widen" the "woefully inadequate" availability of MBCT on the NHS for adults with a history of depression on the basis that it "significantly reduces risk of relapse".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The court found that there was no persuasive evidence before it to suggest that he would not receive adequate treatment in the United States to control his mental illness, or that he would be detained in circumstances which would place him at risk of a mental health relapse so as to render his extradition in breach of article 3".

The Guardian

Paneru says the programme has been successful, with only 7% of cases that relapse into malnutrition.

The Guardian

But Kuyken acknowledges the tough financial climate means mental health trusts often can't make MBCT a priority: "Their core business is treatment of serious illness rather than prevention of relapse, which can mean that therapies like MBCT get sidelined".

The Guardian

This is a frustration for many clinicians, because experience broadly shows that while antidepressants can be effective at treating symptoms of depression, it is talking therapies that will help patients understand what is happening to them – and how to avoid relapse.

The Guardian

Now I don't think further ahead than the next check-up – I might relapse and my universe could crumble again.

The Guardian

A surge in inflation, a sudden change in central-bank policy and (for corporate debt) a relapse into deep recession could prove ruinous.

The Economist

An individual infected with it may remain symptomless for several years and then relapse.

The Economist

Since Daimler-Benz swallowed Chrysler in 1998, it has brought the struggling American carmaker to the verge of recovery three times, only to see the patient repeatedly relapse.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "relapse" carries a different weight in medical, economic, or personal contexts.

Common error

While both imply going back, "regress" often suggests a broader decline, whereas "relapse" typically refers to returning to a specific previous state, particularly in health or behavioral contexts.

Linguistic Context

"Relapse" functions as both a noun and a verb, denoting a return to a former state, often undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms this, demonstrating its versatile usage in various contexts. Examples show it used to describe returns to illness, addiction, or negative economic conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relapse" is a versatile word functioning as both a noun and a verb, denoting a return to a former, often undesirable, state. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in various contexts. It is frequently used in news, science, and formal business settings to describe reversals in health, economic conditions, or personal behavior. While semantically similar alternatives like "reversion" or "recurrence" exist, "relapse" carries a specific connotation of returning to a previous state after some improvement. When writing, ensure the context aligns with this specific meaning to avoid confusion with broader terms like "regress". Therefore, be careful of not using the phrase in the wrong scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reversion

This term suggests a return to a former state or practice, often implying a cyclical pattern.

recurrence

This indicates a repeated occurrence of something, typically an illness or problem.

regression

This term implies a return to a less developed or advanced state.

backsliding

Suggests a moral or religious decline, falling back into undesirable behavior.

recidivism

Specifically refers to the tendency to relapse into criminal behavior.

setback

This indicates a temporary hindrance or reversal in progress.

deterioration

Suggests a worsening condition or decline in quality.

decline

Indicates a gradual decrease or weakening.

worsening

This term indicates that something is becoming more severe or problematic.

lapsing

Implies a temporary failure or deviation from a standard or ideal.

FAQs

How is "relapse" typically used in a sentence?

The word "relapse" can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun: "The patient experienced a relapse after showing signs of recovery." As a verb: "The patient relapsed after several months of improvement."

What are some alternatives to using "relapse"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reversion", "recurrence", or "regression" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "relapse" in economic contexts?

Yes, "relapse" can be used in economic contexts to describe a return to a previous period of economic decline or instability. For example, "The economy showed signs of relapse after a brief period of growth."

What's the difference between "relapse" and "setback"?

"Setback" is a general term for a temporary hindrance, while "relapse" specifically refers to a return to a previous, often negative, state or condition, particularly after improvement. Therefore, a "setback" may not always imply a complete return to a prior state, unlike a "relapse".