What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recovery
Example
The athlete is in recovery after a knee injury. [recovery: noun]
Example
The company is working on the recovery of its reputation after a scandal. [recovery: noun]
Example
The police are investigating the recovery of the stolen artwork. [recovery: noun]
retrieval
Example
The retrieval of the lost keys was successful. [retrieval: noun]
Example
The software allows for easy retrieval of important files. [retrieval: noun]
Example
The rescue team is planning the retrieval of the stranded hikers. [retrieval: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recovery is more commonly used than retrieval in everyday language, especially in the context of health and wellness. Retrieval is more specific and often used in technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between recovery and retrieval?
Both recovery and retrieval can be used in formal and informal contexts, but retrieval may be more commonly used in technical or professional settings.
