How to pronounce recession
Say it like rih-SESH-un. Recession has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SESH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce recession. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rih
- SESH
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Recession pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SESHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of recession
American and British speakers say recession in essentially the same way: /rɪˈsɛʃən/ in the US and /rɪˈsɛʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-SESH-un.
What does recession mean?
- the state of the economy declines; a widespread decline in the GDP and employment and trade lasting from six months to a year
- a small concavity
- the withdrawal of the clergy and choir from the chancel to the vestry at the end of a church service
Where does recession come from?
Borrowed from Latin recessiō, from recēdō (“recede, retreat”), from re- (“back”) + cēdō (“to go”).
Words that rhyme with recession
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of recession.
Questions about saying recession
How do you pronounce recession?
Say rih-SESH-un. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈsɛʃən/. In British English it is /rɪˈsɛʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in recession?
Recession has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SESH). Broken into parts: rih · SESH · un.
Do Americans and Brits say recession the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɪˈsɛʃən/ and the British form is /rɪˈsɛʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.