WordGarden.ioremedial
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪmˈiːdɪəl/
US
- /rɪˈmidiəl/
Meanings
Adjective
intended to correct or improve a problem, deficiency, or bad situation
providing extra teaching to help a learner catch up to the expected level
used as an insult meaning mentally slow, unintelligent, or hopelessly incompetent
Beyond the definition
Imagine a student struggling with fractions while the rest of the class moves on to algebra. That student might need remedial math: extra teaching that helps build basic skills first. The word "remedial" does not mean something is bad; it simply points to a need for correction or improvement in one area. It is about getting back on track.
Originally, "remedial" came from the Latin word remederi, meaning "to heal" or "to cure." Think of it like medicine: a remedy helps fix what is wrong. You might take remedial classes at school, get remedial training at work, or do remedial work on a building's foundation. It is all about fixing weak points and helping something become strong again.
The word remedial describes something meant to correct a problem, weakness, or lack. It is often used in education for classes or programs that help students who have fallen behind in a subject and need focused support to catch up. For example: "The school offered remedial reading courses for students struggling with comprehension."
However, remedial is not limited to the classroom. It can apply anywhere something needs to be fixed or improved. A company might offer remedial training to employees to address gaps in performance, or an environmental agency might take remedial action to clean up a polluted site.
It is worth noting that the word can sometimes carry a slight stigma, because it may suggest that someone is "behind." Still, it is usually used in a neutral way in professional settings, where the focus is on improvement. The idea is to identify what needs help and give support to fix it. Think of it as strengthening a weak foundation rather than judging a person or situation. Whether you are talking about education, job training, environmental cleanup, or technical repairs, remedial points to the act of correcting a problem and restoring something to a proper working state.
Examples
- 1
Math class
She was placed in a remedial math class before starting algebra.
- 2
Reading support
The school provides remedial help for students who are behind in reading.
- 3
Medical exercises
The doctor gave him some remedial exercises for his shoulder.
- 4
Building repairs
After the inspection, the landlord had to carry out remedial work on the building's wiring.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Corrective action
The report urged the company to take immediate remedial action to prevent the problem from happening again.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- remedial class
- remedial action
- remedial measures
- remedial treatment
Word family
Explore
- intervention
- basic skills instruction
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- remedialadjective