What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
relapse
Example
After months of sobriety, he suffered a relapse and started drinking again. [relapse: noun]
Example
She was doing well in therapy until she relapsed and stopped attending sessions. [relapsed: verb]
retrogression
Example
The company's profits showed a retrogression compared to the previous year. [retrogression: noun]
Example
The country's economy experienced a retrogression after years of growth. [retrogressed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Relapse is more commonly used than retrogression in everyday language, especially in the context of addiction and health. Retrogression is less common and may be more formal or technical.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between relapse and retrogression?
Retrogression is generally more formal and technical than relapse, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
