adj C1 Advanced Uncommon

remedial

rih-MEE-deerl

Remedial (adj) means Intended to fix a problem or correct a fault. Example: “The company took remedial action after the safety inspection failed.”

adj

Intended to fix a problem or correct a fault.

"The company took remedial action after the safety inspection failed."

Designed to help someone improve skills they are behind on.

"He was placed in remedial maths classes to catch up with the rest of his year."

How to use remedial

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAimed at correcting or fixing something that's gone wrong or fallen behind.

When to use it

In education, "remedial" can sound stigmatising — many schools now prefer terms like "support" or "catch-up" classes.

Common pairings

remedial action remedial classes remedial measures

Word forms

more remedial comparative, remedials plural, most remedial superlative

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The company took _____ action after the safety inspection failed.

Etymology

From Latin remedialis, from remedium ("a remedy" or "cure").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for remedial

dial trial aerial serial filial denial medial racial social burial facial menial

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Frequently asked questions

What does “remedial” mean?

The word “remedial” means intended to fix a problem or correct a fault. In plain terms, aimed at correcting or fixing something that's gone wrong or fallen behind.

How do you pronounce “remedial”?

“Remedial” is pronounced rih-MEE-deerl (/ɹɪˈmi.di.əl/ in IPA).

How do you use “remedial” in a sentence?

Here is “remedial” used in a sentence: “The company took remedial action after the safety inspection failed.”

What part of speech is “remedial”?

“Remedial” is an adjective.

Where does the word “remedial” come from?

The word “remedial” comes from Latin. From Latin remedialis, from remedium ("a remedy" or "cure").

Is “remedial” a common word?

“Remedial” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “remedial” have?

“Remedial” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: intended to fix a problem or correct a fault.