What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recession
Example
The country is currently experiencing a recession due to the pandemic. [recession: noun]
Example
The government is implementing measures to prevent a recession from worsening. [recession: gerund or present participle]
depression
Example
The Great Depression of the 1930s was a global economic crisis. [depression: noun]
Example
The country is at risk of falling into a depression if the current economic situation continues. [depression: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recession is a more common term than depression in everyday language, as it is a more frequent occurrence. Depression is a rarer and more severe phenomenon that is typically associated with historical events such as the Great Depression.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between recession and depression?
Both recession and depression are formal terms used in economics and finance. However, depression is a more technical and specific term that is typically used in academic or professional contexts.
