Regain: meaning, definitions and examples

Already covered above in the first entry.

Broadly used to describe the process of getting back something lost, healing from an illness, or returning to a normal state after a problem. Usually implies a process.

• She needs time to recover from the illness.
• The economy is slowly recovering after the recession.

Focuses on physically getting back an object or information that was misplaced or taken away. Often implies an active search or effort to find it.

• He managed to retrieve the lost documents.
• The dog retrieved the ball from the bushes.

Typically used in financial or business contexts. It means to get back money that was lost or spent, often by gaining an equivalent amount elsewhere.

• The company hopes to recoup its investment within the year.
• He tried to recoup his losses by selling some assets.

Use when you retrieve something you lost, often related to abstract concepts like health, confidence, or control.

• She worked hard to regain her confidence after the accident
• They need to regain control of the situation

Used when bringing something back to its original state or condition, often related to tangible objects or systems.

• The team worked tirelessly to restore the old painting
• They are working to restore power after the storm

Used when taking back something that rightfully belongs to you, often involves a sense of justice or compensation. Can also imply environmental restoration.

• She went to the lost and found to reclaim her wallet
• The government is working to reclaim the wetlands

Used in formal contexts, often related to purchasing or taking back rights, property, or possessions. It implies a deliberate action.

• The company plans to reacquire the old factory
• He managed to reacquire the domain name after it had expired