What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recuperation
Example
After her surgery, she needed a few weeks of recuperation before returning to work. [recuperation: noun]
Example
He spent the weekend in bed, allowing himself time for recuperation after a long week at work. [recuperation: noun]
rehabilitation
Example
The athlete underwent rehabilitation to regain full use of his injured leg. [rehabilitation: noun]
Example
She checked herself into a rehabilitation center to overcome her addiction to drugs. [rehabilitation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rehabilitation is more commonly used than recuperation in everyday language. Rehabilitation covers a wider range of contexts and is often associated with medical treatment or therapy, while recuperation is more commonly used in the context of physical recovery.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between recuperation and rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation is generally considered more formal than recuperation. It is often used in medical or professional settings, while recuperation is more casual and can be used in everyday conversation.
