Comeback Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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comeback

[ˈkʌm.bæk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in sports

A return to a position of success or popularity after a period of failure or decline.

Synonyms

recovery, resurgence, revival.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
comeback	Use when someone returns to a successful position after a period of not being successful. His incredible comeback to the music industry surprised everyone After years of silence, she made a spectacular comeback to the stage
revival	Often used in contexts where something is brought back into use or becomes active again, especially after being out of use for a long time. The theater saw a revival of Shakespeare's plays Interest in traditional crafts has experienced a revival in recent years
resurgence	Describes a situation where something becomes popular, active, or successful again after a period of decline or inactivity. There has been a resurgence of interest in 1980s fashion The resurgence of the team was evident in their recent victories
recovery	Used when someone or something returns to a normal state or condition after experiencing problems or difficulties. His recovery after the surgery was faster than expected The economy is showing signs of recovery after the recession

Examples of usage

The team made a remarkable comeback in the second half of the game.
She staged a stunning comeback after being out of the music scene for years.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in entertainment

A return to the public eye or prominence after a period of obscurity.

Synonyms

resurgence, return, revival.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
comeback	This term is often used in sports, entertainment, or fashion to describe a return to success after a period of decline or inactivity. After years of struggling with injuries, the athlete made a remarkable comeback. The band's latest album marks their comeback to the music scene.
return	This word is versatile and general. It is suitable for most situations where someone or something is coming back to a previous state, place, or condition. He made his return to the company after a three-year break. The swallows return to the same place every year.
resurgence	Use this word to describe a rising trend or renewed interest in something that had diminished. It is often used in discussions about trends, culture, or social movements. There has been a resurgence of interest in vinyl records. The city has seen a resurgence in tourism after the recent renovations.
revival	This term is used when talking about bringing something back to life, making it popular or important again. It is often used in cultural or religious contexts. The revival of traditional crafts has brought new life to the community. The theater company is planning a revival of the classic play.

Examples of usage

The actor's comeback film was a huge success at the box office.
Her comeback album topped the charts.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

general

To return after an absence or period of obscurity.

Synonyms

reappear, resurface, return.

Examples of usage

After a long break, the singer decided to make a comeback with a new album.
The team is hoping their star player will make a strong comeback from injury.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

In sports, a comeback often describes an underdog team winning after being significantly behind.
Famous sports comebacks include the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI, overcoming a 28-3 deficit to win in overtime.

Pop Culture

Musicians like Britney Spears and Mariah Carey have staged remarkable comebacks in their careers, regaining mass popularity.
The term is often used in entertainment, like when a movie sequel revives interest in an earlier film.

Psychology

A psychological comeback can involve resilience, where individuals bounce back from failure or hardship with renewed strength.
Research shows that those who learn from setbacks are often more successful in the long run.

Historical Examples

Political figures like Winston Churchill have made notable comebacks to reclaim leadership after hardships or defeats.
Many nations have staged comebacks after wars or economic downturns, rebuilding and emerging stronger in the process.

Origin of 'comeback'

Main points about word origin

The term originated in the late 19th century, deriving from the literal idea of coming back.
Historically, it was used in theater to describe an actor returning to prominence after fading from the spotlight.

The word 'comeback' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the combination of 'come' and 'back'. It initially referred to a return to a place or position, gradually evolving to signify a return to success or prominence after a decline. The term has since been widely used in various contexts, including sports, entertainment, and general life situations, to describe a resurgence or recovery from setbacks.