What does recondition mean?
Recondition means to bring something back into good or working order, especially a machine, vehicle, building, or other item that has deteriorated or become faulty. The word can also describe a person regaining physical or mental fitness after illness, injury, or prolonged inactivity. In retail and service contexts, a reconditioned product has been inspected, repaired, cleaned, and restored so that it functions properly, but it is not necessarily new. The term often implies renewal rather than a complete redesign or the addition of major new features. Although "repair" is a close synonym, reconditioning generally suggests restoring an item to an acceptable standard for continued use. The noun is less common and refers to the act of restoring or preparing something or someone for further use.
To restore something to a good, satisfactory, or working condition.
"The engine was reconditioned before the car was sold."
Often transitive. Reflexive use refers to a person restoring physical or mental fitness.
The act of restoring something or preparing someone to return to a satisfactory condition.
"The careful recondition of the instruments restored them to working order."
This noun is uncommon; the verb is overwhelmingly the usual form.
The noun is uncommon; plural forms are correspondingly rare.
"The workshop completed several reconditionings before the end of the month."
Reconditioned does not mean new: it means brought back into good working order.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recondition come from?
The word was formed in the 19th century from the prefix re-, meaning "again," and the verb "condition." "Condition" entered Middle English through Old French from Latin "condicio," a word associated with agreement or stipulation and later with the state or circumstances in which something exists. The extended form "recondition" therefore literally means "to condition again," emphasizing restoration to a satisfactory condition.
Related word forms
How recondition is actually used
The verb is commonly transitive, taking the thing being restored as its object: "recondition a vehicle." It can also be used reflexively for a person regaining physical or mental fitness. In commerce, "reconditioned" often denotes an item restored to working order rather than a new item, though sellers may use the term more loosely. The noun is uncommon.
Easily confused with recondition
To condition something is to bring or keep it in a specified state, often by training or care, whereas to recondition it is to restore it to a good working condition.