recessionary
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪsˈɛʃənəri/
US
- /riˈsɛʃəˌnɛri/
Description
- linked to an economic downturn
- tied to a shrinking economy
- connected with hard economic times
The term "recessionary" describes things connected to an economic recession, a period when the economy is shrinking and business activity is weaker for a while. It does not just mean that the economy is doing badly. It describes conditions that are shaped by that downturn or that may lead to one. You might hear about "recessionary pressures" building up, meaning forces are pushing the economy toward a recession. You could also hear "recessionary fears," which means worries people have when they see signs of slower growth, weaker spending, or job losses. The word is more exact than simply saying things are bad because it links those problems to a broader economic downturn.
"Recessionary" is an adjective used to describe conditions, trends, or policies related to an economic recession. A recession is not just a brief dip. It is a broader period of economic decline, usually marked by falling activity, weaker demand, job losses, and lower business confidence over time.
When you use "recessionary," you are pointing to something caused by a recession, affected by one, or likely to become worse during one. For example, "recessionary layoffs" are job cuts that happen because the economy is slowing down. "Recessionary pressures" are warning signs or forces that suggest the economy may be moving toward a recession. A "recessionary environment" is a business climate in which companies and consumers become more cautious because growth is weak.
The word often appears in financial news and economic analysis. You may hear about "recessionary indicators," such as rising unemployment or weaker consumer spending, that suggest a recession may be approaching. You might also hear about a "recessionary spiral," where lower demand leads to more job losses, which then causes even less spending. It is important to note that the word does not mean the recession itself. It describes things connected to it.
Think of it like this: a recession is the event, while "recessionary" describes the effects, signs, or conditions around that event. In the same way that "storm" names the weather event and "stormy" describes the conditions around it, "recessionary" describes things affected by or related to an economic recession.
Examples
- 1
Business climate
Many small businesses struggled in the recessionary climate after consumer spending dropped.
- 2
Company planning
The company delayed hiring because recessionary fears were spreading.
Phrase
recessionary fears
worries that the economy may enter a recession
- 3
Interest rates
High interest rates can be recessionary if they reduce borrowing too sharply.
- 4
Budget cuts
Several economists warned that sudden budget cuts would have a recessionary effect on the region.
Phrase
have a recessionary effect
make the economy weaker or more likely to shrink
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- recessionaryadjective